NEW FAV.

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This is definitely a new favorite of this series. I don’t know why I haven’t swung back around to moving through these books but with a new one out soon I want to get caught up!

I LOVE that these are written so well for this age group, and yet appeal to older audiences too. You feel the struggles of 14/15 year-old’s who have way too much on their plates, but also the love and support from parents and caregivers around them. I love the fierce friendships and loyalty to themselves. These kind of attributes are what I look for in middle grade, young YA fantasy and this series continually delivers.

The plot exploration grew and rarely felt stagnant. I liked the mix of action alongside smoother moments. Anytime KEEFE was on page I was paying attention. He’s one of my favorites. I liked seeing new sides to Sofie and the way this story is continually thickening. It’s a truly great fantasy series that makes it easy to fly through these massive books.

Overall audience notes:
- MG Fantasy
- Language: none
- Romance: flirting
- Violence: mild
- Trigger/Content Warnings: mentions of past kidnappings, near death experiences, not overly bloody or gory but physical and magical violence is present, loss of a loved one 

Could not handle the writing style.

PRETTY GOOD.

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I think I enjoyed this a lot more than I might have because I listened to it on audio (and thus, listened to it at a faster speed than I would have reading).

The magical hotel trope has swung around again, and this was a good rendition. I liked the main character and her fierce loyalty and love for her sister. There’s a good dash of mystery as the hotel’s story unravels. I thought the magic system fit well into the overall plot, but I wish there was so more world building outside of the hotel.

There’s a little sub plot of romance throughout and that was sweet. It didn’t overshadow Jani’s main goals, but Bel was a good guide post to help her figure some things out. The villain was kind of weak, or I guess I’d say, typical.

Things wrapped up quickly at the end and I consider it a good read for those who want The Night Circus vibes, but make it young adult. Or those wanting Caraval vibes but shoved into a standalone.

Overall audience notes:
- YA Fantasy
- Language: very little
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: mild
- Trigger/Content Warnings: kidnapping, forced loss of memory, magical altercations, loss of loved ones 

Fantastic novella with plenty of angst.
Didn't love the love triangle adjacent vibes.

THOUGHTS.

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In all honesty I would probably give this book three stars, but it was compulsively readable and that to me, deserves the extra star. For a big contemporary, I flew through it. Felt invested enough and at least it had a good ending.

I thought a lot of the innuendo was poorly done. It felt randomly placed and unnecessary? That might be a me thing, but I like it all to flow and this felt like some sentences were added for “spice” and that’s a big nope from me. It’s steamier overall than I usually go for. It is easily skippable and isn’t until the second half.

The grump and sunshine trope was on point though. I loved the juxtaposition between these two and the continual collisions that brought them together. I thought Rowan exhibited a ton of growth through his thick skull as this story progressed. Wanted to shake him a few times, but it’s all part of the process. Zahra was fantastic. A heroine I could easily get behind. I liked that she always stood up for herself and had a great sense of optimism.

Plot wise, I found it fun to be whisked away into a billionaire’s world. All of the things Rowan could do at the drop of a hat that I couldn’t fathom. Oh the fun of reading! Things weren’t always realistic and I like that necessary suspension for a romance. A good read, I think I’ll try the next book and see how I feel there.

Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance
- Language: strong
- Romance: three explicit open door + innuendo
- Trigger/Content Warnings: suicidal ideation recounted, death of a parent recounted 

AMAZING DEBUT.

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I adored this read. It was a fantastic debut and I was completely wrapped up in this young adult historical fiction.

There were many things I loved including: the chronic illness rep, found family, and women supporting women. Those were the biggest highlights and made this story. The audiobook was wonderful too and I would definitely recommend that avenue as well.

I loved the growth Tania showed throughout the book. She constantly showed a deep well of strength and perseverance. To love who she is, and to find a balance within her life. Her new found friends were great side characters and really enhanced the plot. I liked the conversations and dialogue throughout.

There’s even a tiny dash of romance which is always a plus for me. I thought originally this was a fantasy (because I rarely read summaries), but I like that there actually wasn’t any magic. It was a unique historical setting, especially with the gender-bend on the Three Musketeers. I can’t wait to see what other books this author will write!

Overall audience notes:
- YA Historical Fiction
- Language: very little
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: medium (present, but not intensely bloody/gory)
- Trigger/Content Warnings: chronic illness, bullying, kidnapping, near death experiences, loss of a parent, implied sexual assault, ableism and internalized ableism 

UGH.

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I feel SO LET DOWN BY THIS. I was even buddy reading with another friend who didn’t even finish it. Both of us struggled with so many things that happened here.

There was entirely too much focus on the other future couples in this series. Random tangents to set up their story and the main character was putting a lot more effort into everyone else so it felt like the focus was never on her.

When the focus was on her and the budding relationship with Thomas I was only impressed occasionally. They had some cute banter filled moments, but why throw out enemies to lovers than immediately take it away? I saw all of the potential but none of the execution. Not to mention, the same plot device was used over and over again. All of the characters kept playing “games” to get to know one another, tell secrets, etc. and it felt drawn out and over done.

Alright, I’m stopping here. I wanted to love this so badly because the cover is gorgeous, I’ve liked other books by this author and was interested in the rest of the series, but I don’t think I can convince myself to try again.

Overall audience notes:
- Regency Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of loved ones, mentions of gambling addiction 

I LOVED this. 

- Insta-connection
- Airport romance
- Meet cute with a dog
- Romance writer
- Grand gesture
- Super soft hero who rambles when he's nervous

AND SHANE EAST NARRATES THE HERO.

Perfect novella length that ticked all the boxes for a quick read.

I just wasn't feeling this and I would get frustrated having to pick it back up.
Not the way I want to enjoy reading so on to the next!