Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an eARC.

IT WAS FINE.

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I think I’m kind of out growing YA thrillers, or maybe thrillers in general? I picked this up on NetGalley at a weak moment so knew i had to get through it. I was never upset reading it though, I just think it’s no longer my vibe (unless I’m super in the mood).

ANYWHO. I liked these main characters!! Tripp and Brynn were a bit flawed of course, but I really enjoyed the progression of both of them. There was a sweet romance between them too that I liked. It was a cute, softer side to the murder mystery.

I do feel a bit unsatisfied by the ending? It made it seem like there might be a book two so I think that’s my issue. I struggle when any ending is too open and I don’t get the closure needed to round out the plot. And there were some characters that I didn’t love.

The murderer kept me in the dark for a long time. I thought I had pinned the right person from the get-go and was pleasantly surprised that I was wrong! It was good read in the end.

Overall audience notes:
- YA Thriller
- Language: some strong
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: high
- Trigger/Content Warnings: murder, kidnapping, gun violence, manipulation, extortion, underage drinking, media slander 

STUNNING.

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I’m always hesitant to start fantasies over 500 pages (though let’s be honest, that’s also MY JAM). And then most of the time, I find myself completely engrossed in the story not realizing I’ve spent so much time with a new favorite.

This was a fantastic read. Great writing and characterization. I am alllll about the characters and the found family here was WONDERFUL. I loved Lark and her progression throughout everything thrown her way. She was resilient and yet, always remained kind and I can’t get enough of that type of FMC.

Enter in one of the slowest burns ever with Gavriel and I was smitten. If at anytime I here myself say, KISS ALREADY, I know it’s good. And it happened here multiple times. There relationship is so complex and I am very curious how it continues to evolve as the series progresses.

There is a very nuanced Little Mermaid vibe. If you’ve watched the movie enough times it was fun to notice the subtle ways Farran threw in nods and allusions to the tale. While I would have definitely appreciated some actual mermaids, I was pleased with everything else!

The plot is thick with many layers. I thought the world building was written well. Not overly convoluted, but spaced out without info dumping to really allow for the build that this story took. I’m excited to see what book two holds.

Overall audience notes:
- Fantasy + Romance
- Language: some
- Romance: open door
- Violence: high
- Trigger/Content Warnings: mentions of rape (in initial scenes, side character), kidnapping, loss of loved ones, weapons violence, physical altercations, creature attacks, imprisonment 

WICKEDLY GOOD.

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Sometimes I think I’m funny.

Any who. This didn’t surpass my love for Anthony’s story buuut I did think it was a great read! A great audio book read that I adored.

Poor Michael cracked me up. Wow do I love a man smitten from FOREVER. I did appreciate how that situation was handled and that no gray area cheating or anything like that occurred. It made me be able to connect to the new romantic relationship development between Michael and Francesca.

Francesca was a lovable heroine who worked past her grief to find a new love in life. Allowing herself to feel and be open to experiences that could once again leave her in heartbreak. She had some endearing qualities about her and I loved watching the friendship turn into pure romance.

The conflict was dragged out a little bit further than I was hoping. At the time I figured it would be resolved it wasn’t. And it did get a little past my spice comfort level. But besides that, I’m reading randomly through the Bridgerton series and enjoying them immensely!

Overall audience notes:
- Historical Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: three open door (one very long)
- Violence: low
- Trigger/Content Warnings: infertility, miscarriage, sudden loss of a husband 

GIRL STOP.

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I’m still on a quest to find a western cowboy romance that moves my soul. This was good, but there was one major element that brought this book down two stars y’all.

And that would be our female main character: Greta. She would NOT STOP COMPLAINING. Her entire inner monologue surrounded her not being a burden, and I can understand that in the beginning where we’re setting up for character growth arcs. What I can’t get past is that this still went on until the last pages when Wyatt is like, I LOVE YOU, and Greta is still saying, are you sure I won’t be a burden?? If you’ve read the book you would know both sides were OBVIOUSLY past this type of conversation.

Otherwise, loved the setting. Tiny historical Colorado town. There’s some faith elements that I don’t think were heavy handed either that I enjoyed. I did think Greta’s sister came off a bit young for her supposed age but I did like the aspects she added to the story.

I’m going to try book two, we’ll see what happens next.

Overall audience notes:
- Western Cowboy Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: make-outs
- Violence: medium
- Trigger/Content Warnings: gun violence, animal violence, a child with consumption, robbery at gunpoint 

NOOOPE.

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Y’all. This was not for me. I thought maybe, and was let down at every dang turn.

I did not like how this love triangle between brother’s was handled. It felt drama filled (and not the good kind). I continually felt annoyed with everyone involved and wish it would have been focused on her connection with one of the men.

This mostly was about the FMC struggling with her career choice. Which is fine, but the romantic plots were inherently weak and this combination took me out of the story.

NOT TO MENTION, and this may be considered a spoiler so read at will, there’s a OPEN DOOR love scene at the LITERAL last minute of the epilogue. Why is this enraging? I’m generally fine with a little bit of spice, or don’t mind skipping over, BUT, when you’ve created a book that comes off as sweet/super closed door and then add something in like that it creates a jarring effect. Don’t try to add something in that doesn’t fit with the entire vibe you’ve already created. It’ll make both camps (no spice & spice lovers) upset.

Ending this rant fest. I did not like this book and I think I’m done reading this author’s books.

Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance
- Language: a little strong
- Romance: one open door scene
- Violence: low
- Trigger/Content Warnings: short term memory loss & coma from a car crash, manipulative father 

WHAT JUST HAPPENED

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This was a type of read where I couldn’t tell you what was happening for 90% of the book and I wasn’t mad about it at all. It felt like I was on the journey with Petra as discoveries became relevant to her and betrayals from others brought her to her knees.

I enjoyed this one so much. The past and present timeline chapter flipping worked well. It did slow the pace down a bit, but the continual need to know what happened next was always there. I liked seeing where Petra came from, and how that shaped all the stuff she was going through in the present.

This is definitely a dark read. I honestly can think of maybe two things that could be considered good that happened. It’s gritty and disturbing and I just need MORE.

I’m already chomping at the bit to get my hands on book two. This one felt a bit prequel-esque with the pacing style so I know the second is going to fling us through the ringer after those ending reveals. The writing was wonderful and there were some beautiful quote worthy lines.

Overall audience notes:
- Dark Fantasy + Romance
- Language: strong
- Romance: two open door
- Violence: very high
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of family, torture, sexual harassment, loss of parents, drug addiction, mass enslavement, kidnapping, physical altercations, weapons violence, explosions, loss of a sibling 

GREW ON ME.

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I spent the first 30-40% of this book wondering if I had made a mistake in picking it up. Not that it was bad, just thinking it might not be for me? It was a tad slow and I wasn’t sure when the romance was going to come into play.

BUT. I ate some of my words because past that point I fell in love with so much of this book. There were beautiful conversations surrounding loss, grief, and life. My heartstrings were pulled continually as these characters wrapped themselves around my heart. The power that words have over us is incredible and many of these statements weaved there way into me.

The romance was so sweet!!! The paranormal ghost aspects played out exactly as I hoped (blessed be or I might have thrown my book at anyone who told me I should read it). I thought Florence and Ben clicked. The chemistry was undeniable and the slow burn of watching them get to know each other was precious.

Lots to love about this one. It made good on the hype surrounding it and I look forward to future books by this author.

Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Paranormal Romance
- Language: some strong
- Romance: brief open door
- Violence: low
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of a parent, grief depiction, bullying (mentioned) 

Just a sweet novella 😭💙.

MYSTERIOUS.

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I really enjoyed this one! It was different than my usual YA fantasy picks and brought a lot to the table. A fantasy and a thriller all in one was a good change of pace.

Catrin was a main character who went up and down for me. I liked her at times and struggled with her occasionally, but overall, I liked who she was and who she became. She was fiercely loyal to those who looked out for her and was compassionate to those in differing situations.

There was a sweet and subtle sub-plot romance that I liked too. As the other major key player, Simon, held a lot of sway in where the story went. He had a mysterious nature, but was soft as fluff on the inside and this is how I adore my love interests.

Mental health was a major theme and I there were many good conversations and approaches to how this subject was discussed. The author’s note at the end had an interesting tidbit of history that connected into the story and I loved learning more about that as well!

The mystery kept me guessing and even though I was pretty sure it was one character, I liked how great the writing was that I felt pulled in multiple directions on who the murderer ultimately was.

Overall audience notes:
- YA Fantasy Thriller
- Language: a little
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: high
- Trigger/Content Warnings: small mentions of sexual assault and rape (not on page), murder (graphic descriptions of bodies found), suicide and suicide ideation, mob aggression resulting in death, differing mental health depictions 

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an eARC.

I’M NOT CRYING.

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Uh, who knew this book would make me tear up? Some of those conversations before the final reckoning had my eyes a bit misty. THE EMOTIONS.

I was in love with this book from the get-go. Marriage of convenience where the guy is completely in love her? OH MY GOSH YES PLEASE. I love that this was dual POV and getting to see both Mia and Noah’s take on what was happening.

Noah was my absolute favorite. I loved watching love Mia in all of these small ways. And those heated kisses had me melting. Good heavens those scenes were stellar. I thought he also exhibited growth too. He had more demons than he realized he needed to work through and gratefully many people in his life helped him realize that.

I struggled with Mia’s character at times because I thought she deserved to let others love her and it was frustrating watching her push away over and over. When I thought this would be a reason I lowered my rating some key moments had my eyes opening and I felt like I understood. Mia and Noah were always inevitable it just took some time to get there.

The surrounding story was amazing. This is actually my second transplant romance this year and I loved how this worked out too. The side characters made me smile and there were enough forced proximity and kisses that had to happen in front of others to bring about all the things I love about this trope.

READ IT.

Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance
- Language: a little strong
- Romance: fade to black & closed-door
- Violence: low
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of a sibling (car wreck, recounted), kidney transplant, estranged parents, grief and loss depiction