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A BIT OF A FLAIR IN THE DRAMATICS.
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Okay. I don’t know how I feel about this book which is why I’ve gone with 3.5 stars. There were some portions I enjoyed and was emotionally involved in and then I had this moment where I started thinking. And those thoughts led me to wondering how many more things can happen purely for the sake of adding a dramatic flair to the entire story?
Apparently, A LOT.
There were so many things jammed into this story to pull on my emotions that I was surprised by the end. I didn’t think it needed all of it to make a great story. A few of the dramatics were needed, yes. That’s how this became a second chance romance, but others were added that I had to shrug my shoulders over.
I did like the romance. I wished the time in high school was a bit longer so I really got a feel for Eleanor and Greyson’s relationship before they had to part ways. I was enjoying the precious romance that was brewing. I’m glad that in the present it took time for them to rekindle anything. I was going to be real upset if they jumped back together and was impressed that it took a bit to get there. I loved seeing the character arcs of both of them from the past to the present and even to the end. Greyson and Eleanor worked through a lot to be together.
I adored Greyson’s children. They were a great pair that gave this book a whole new side. Lorelei and Karla both had their own issues that allowed Greyson to step in as a father figure to address. Even better was watching Eleanor go mama bear on people when the girls were bullied or disrespected.
All in all, a good book. Especially if you’re into a bit of dramatics you’ll enjoy this. This was my first book by this author and I’m curious about her spin-off books from Eleanor & Grey. I think I’ll definitely take a look at those later.
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary romance [trope: second chance]
- Language: some
- Romance: a few scenes mild to explicit, but brief; kisses/make-outs
- Trigger warnings: domestic abuse, losing a loved one to cancer, bullying, description of an awful car wreck, suicide ideation, severe grief and depression
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Okay. I don’t know how I feel about this book which is why I’ve gone with 3.5 stars. There were some portions I enjoyed and was emotionally involved in and then I had this moment where I started thinking. And those thoughts led me to wondering how many more things can happen purely for the sake of adding a dramatic flair to the entire story?
Apparently, A LOT.
There were so many things jammed into this story to pull on my emotions that I was surprised by the end. I didn’t think it needed all of it to make a great story. A few of the dramatics were needed, yes. That’s how this became a second chance romance, but others were added that I had to shrug my shoulders over.
I did like the romance. I wished the time in high school was a bit longer so I really got a feel for Eleanor and Greyson’s relationship before they had to part ways. I was enjoying the precious romance that was brewing. I’m glad that in the present it took time for them to rekindle anything. I was going to be real upset if they jumped back together and was impressed that it took a bit to get there. I loved seeing the character arcs of both of them from the past to the present and even to the end. Greyson and Eleanor worked through a lot to be together.
I adored Greyson’s children. They were a great pair that gave this book a whole new side. Lorelei and Karla both had their own issues that allowed Greyson to step in as a father figure to address. Even better was watching Eleanor go mama bear on people when the girls were bullied or disrespected.
All in all, a good book. Especially if you’re into a bit of dramatics you’ll enjoy this. This was my first book by this author and I’m curious about her spin-off books from Eleanor & Grey. I think I’ll definitely take a look at those later.
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary romance [trope: second chance]
- Language: some
- Romance: a few scenes mild to explicit, but brief; kisses/make-outs
- Trigger warnings: domestic abuse, losing a loved one to cancer, bullying, description of an awful car wreck, suicide ideation, severe grief and depression
Thank you to Berkley and Netgalley for the eARC. All opinions are my own!
SO SWEET.
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I am all over this series by Jen DeLuca. They’re adorable and easy to enjoy and get a few smiles out of me.
In differentiating from Well Met, this book follows Stacey as she goes through a lot of big life decisions. Some cards were handed to her unplanned and now she’s found herself stuck in a slump, wondering what to do next. I struggled with the way Stacey talked about herself at times. I liked that she had a good evolution over the book about finding her way. Learning to take those leaps of faith and following something you know you love.
Okay, Daniel? TOTES ADORBS. I mean, from the get go. Absolutely loved him. So flippin’ cute. He warmed my heart 100x over and was such a match for Stacey. I liked the way the initial conflict (trying to avoid spoilers) happened between them. The communication and understanding that went into seeing both sides of the story really set me up for loving this ship. And this was a continual theme that helped
Another magical setting at a Ren Fest and I am once again wishing I could go to one this year! I love the writing and magic I feel between everyone. Getting to see Simon and Emily again was also absolutely amazing. I did like Well Met more, ONLY because it had more of an enemies to lovers vibe (which is my favorite trope ever). This is more friends to lovers and I found it very sweet watching Daniel and Stacey fall in love.
And low-key, STOKED for the next book in this series and the fact it’s about Mitch and April.
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary romance
- Language: a little (strong when used)
- Romance: kisses / make-outs; a full chapter open door scene
SO SWEET.
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I am all over this series by Jen DeLuca. They’re adorable and easy to enjoy and get a few smiles out of me.
In differentiating from Well Met, this book follows Stacey as she goes through a lot of big life decisions. Some cards were handed to her unplanned and now she’s found herself stuck in a slump, wondering what to do next. I struggled with the way Stacey talked about herself at times. I liked that she had a good evolution over the book about finding her way. Learning to take those leaps of faith and following something you know you love.
Okay, Daniel? TOTES ADORBS. I mean, from the get go. Absolutely loved him. So flippin’ cute. He warmed my heart 100x over and was such a match for Stacey. I liked the way the initial conflict (trying to avoid spoilers) happened between them. The communication and understanding that went into seeing both sides of the story really set me up for loving this ship. And this was a continual theme that helped
Another magical setting at a Ren Fest and I am once again wishing I could go to one this year! I love the writing and magic I feel between everyone. Getting to see Simon and Emily again was also absolutely amazing. I did like Well Met more, ONLY because it had more of an enemies to lovers vibe (which is my favorite trope ever). This is more friends to lovers and I found it very sweet watching Daniel and Stacey fall in love.
And low-key, STOKED for the next book in this series and the fact it’s about Mitch and April.
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary romance
- Language: a little (strong when used)
- Romance: kisses / make-outs; a full chapter open door scene
I LOVE MY SHIPS.
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What a good book.
I’ll get the iffy stuff out of the way, this was way too long. Some chapters and POVs really didn’t feel that necessary for most of the story. I found the beginning to drag a lot and was concerned when things would start to pick up. I’m sooooo glad they did, because that ending has me looking for the third book’s release date.
I am loving the relationships in here. Tristan and Veronyka have me feeling ALL THE THINGS. I like how slow and steady they’ve moved and how honest they have been with each other. Their bond is solid and I hope the author is a fan of happy endings or I will be gutted by the time this trilogy wraps up. Sev and Kade are super cute too. Their relationship has also developed at a perfect speed and I adored the little flirtations and shy interactions between them as the story moved. I’ll say it again, I better get happy endings for these four.
One of my favorite pieces of this series is that one of the chapter points-of-view is from the antagonist. Knowing Val’s thoughts and choices is disturbing and fascinating. I hate to love her and love to hate her. Val’s warped sense of self and what she thinks she is owed is a great aspect and counter-balance to Veronyka.
I like the way this story is moving. The way that the politics are starting to play out, there’s been some more skirmishes in the lands and things are starting to pick up. Yes, this definitely had some middle-book syndrome, but if you push through a bit the ending has set up for a fiery conclusion (look, I made a pun).
The magic system in this world is marvelous. I love that there’s bonds between animals and humans. Everything makes sense and as Veronyka learns more about her shadow magic, the more I am understanding everything as well. Veronyka’s character got a lovely arc learning about her magic (and herself) that made me fall in love with her more. I love her fierce and bold nature, but that she also really wants to love and be loved. It’s a good combo (not to mention, I’m totally smitten with Tristan, so for the third time, please give me a happy ending).
Overall audience notes:
- Young adult fantasy
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: physical, swords, flaming birds (Phoenixes), poison
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What a good book.
I’ll get the iffy stuff out of the way, this was way too long. Some chapters and POVs really didn’t feel that necessary for most of the story. I found the beginning to drag a lot and was concerned when things would start to pick up. I’m sooooo glad they did, because that ending has me looking for the third book’s release date.
I am loving the relationships in here. Tristan and Veronyka have me feeling ALL THE THINGS. I like how slow and steady they’ve moved and how honest they have been with each other. Their bond is solid and I hope the author is a fan of happy endings or I will be gutted by the time this trilogy wraps up. Sev and Kade are super cute too. Their relationship has also developed at a perfect speed and I adored the little flirtations and shy interactions between them as the story moved. I’ll say it again, I better get happy endings for these four.
One of my favorite pieces of this series is that one of the chapter points-of-view is from the antagonist. Knowing Val’s thoughts and choices is disturbing and fascinating. I hate to love her and love to hate her. Val’s warped sense of self and what she thinks she is owed is a great aspect and counter-balance to Veronyka.
I like the way this story is moving. The way that the politics are starting to play out, there’s been some more skirmishes in the lands and things are starting to pick up. Yes, this definitely had some middle-book syndrome, but if you push through a bit the ending has set up for a fiery conclusion (look, I made a pun).
The magic system in this world is marvelous. I love that there’s bonds between animals and humans. Everything makes sense and as Veronyka learns more about her shadow magic, the more I am understanding everything as well. Veronyka’s character got a lovely arc learning about her magic (and herself) that made me fall in love with her more. I love her fierce and bold nature, but that she also really wants to love and be loved. It’s a good combo (not to mention, I’m totally smitten with Tristan, so for the third time, please give me a happy ending).
Overall audience notes:
- Young adult fantasy
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: physical, swords, flaming birds (Phoenixes), poison
Reread May 2023: THIS BOOK IS JUST SO GOOD.
Reread #4...#5...? September 2020: There's very few books I deem *perfect*. This is one of them. Best of the series.
Note: Review does contain spoilers. I have read this series 3 or 4 times. I have no chill over this series. This is a re-read I’m doing specifically before KoA comes out in October.
DOWN WITH AROBYNN!!!!
I still threw out 5 stars to this book, but it definitely dragged more than others in this series. [Which is fine because EoS changed all of that]
Okay, but Arobynn dying by the hands of Lysandra? YOU BET I WAS ALL OVER THAT. I kept wondering after Assassin’s Blade when Arobrynn was finally going to meet his maker. He needed to pay for all that he did. I loved how evil (yet, “loving” — just go with me here) he was with Aelin. It made him more diverse and shows how deep jealousy can take someone.
WE GET AEDION IN THIS BOOK TOO. I love him. He’s one of the best side characters around. He loves so fiercely and cares so deeply. It’s also great that SJM gave Aelin, Lysandra as her new BFF. Those 2 could bring down the world together.
It was hard watching Chaol and Aelin come to terms with their relationship, but I love that it HAPPENED. There was a discussion it wasn’t just thrown to the side. It was nice to get closure on that chapter.
I keep remembering how many characters get added in this book, because LORCAN is here too. And I love him as well. Really, the side characters are awesome in this series. Now that I’ve read it so many times, I’ve been focusing on the other POV chapters besides Aelin, I’ve come to appreciate them so much more.
Manon meets Elide too. Their friendship (or guardianship?) between the two is the stuff. Getting out of Morath (and finding its secrets) was the goal and them working together was a wonderful dynamic. We also see that Elide can hold her own too. And while afraid, always brave.
Dorian has become a hidden POV at this point. I truly thought we were going to lose him at first to the Valg (PLOT TWIST, right?). Alas, that did not happen, we did see his character change though. After Sorscha, then the Valg, Dorian really starts to change. Still a sweet Prince, but now a more hardened and burdened King.
Okay, have to mention the scene with Aelin and the gold nightgown *falls out of chair laughing *. I LOVE SCENES LIKE THIS. Where things are simple, humorous, sweet, sexy, and nefarious all in one. It’s nice to have those breaks in between all of the action. I think SJM writes team dynamics really well (the Court of Dreams is #friendshipgoals).
Still language. Some love-adjacent scenes with discussions of things they want to do to each other. A few make-out/kiss scenes. As always, a heavy dose of violence and torture.
Reread #4...#5...? September 2020: There's very few books I deem *perfect*. This is one of them. Best of the series.
Note: Review does contain spoilers. I have read this series 3 or 4 times. I have no chill over this series. This is a re-read I’m doing specifically before KoA comes out in October.
DOWN WITH AROBYNN!!!!
I still threw out 5 stars to this book, but it definitely dragged more than others in this series. [Which is fine because EoS changed all of that]
Okay, but Arobynn dying by the hands of Lysandra? YOU BET I WAS ALL OVER THAT. I kept wondering after Assassin’s Blade when Arobrynn was finally going to meet his maker. He needed to pay for all that he did. I loved how evil (yet, “loving” — just go with me here) he was with Aelin. It made him more diverse and shows how deep jealousy can take someone.
WE GET AEDION IN THIS BOOK TOO. I love him. He’s one of the best side characters around. He loves so fiercely and cares so deeply. It’s also great that SJM gave Aelin, Lysandra as her new BFF. Those 2 could bring down the world together.
It was hard watching Chaol and Aelin come to terms with their relationship, but I love that it HAPPENED. There was a discussion it wasn’t just thrown to the side. It was nice to get closure on that chapter.
I keep remembering how many characters get added in this book, because LORCAN is here too. And I love him as well. Really, the side characters are awesome in this series. Now that I’ve read it so many times, I’ve been focusing on the other POV chapters besides Aelin, I’ve come to appreciate them so much more.
Manon meets Elide too. Their friendship (or guardianship?) between the two is the stuff. Getting out of Morath (and finding its secrets) was the goal and them working together was a wonderful dynamic. We also see that Elide can hold her own too. And while afraid, always brave.
Dorian has become a hidden POV at this point. I truly thought we were going to lose him at first to the Valg (PLOT TWIST, right?). Alas, that did not happen, we did see his character change though. After Sorscha, then the Valg, Dorian really starts to change. Still a sweet Prince, but now a more hardened and burdened King.
Okay, have to mention the scene with Aelin and the gold nightgown *falls out of chair laughing *. I LOVE SCENES LIKE THIS. Where things are simple, humorous, sweet, sexy, and nefarious all in one. It’s nice to have those breaks in between all of the action. I think SJM writes team dynamics really well (the Court of Dreams is #friendshipgoals).
Still language. Some love-adjacent scenes with discussions of things they want to do to each other. A few make-out/kiss scenes. As always, a heavy dose of violence and torture.
Thank you to the author for an eARC. All opinions are my own.
ANOTHER GREAT BOOK.
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I just really love this series y’all.
Admittedly yes, there’s some book two syndrome here, but nothing that truly detracted from this well built fantasy. By the time the ending was coming up things were wild and I was asking myself [again] how I was supposed to wait for the next book!
I love all of these characters. They each have a unique voice in their point-of-view chapters and it’s easy to know who’s speaking. Everyone has differing strengths and weakness that shape choices and desires. Even with characters I feel like I shouldn’t love, I find myself cheering on their future character arcs because everyone is that compelling. Lyana, Rafe, Xander, and Cassi all have these amazing and well thought out stories that I am so here for to see how they unfold.
One of my favorite aspects was how the prophecy rolled out. I tend to find these kind of gimmicky, but this was written beautifully. It even surprised me how things were unveiled, who was who, and how it all came about. I’m curious how more of the prophecy will unfold and love where it’s going.
I wish I had a few more romantic interactions (which, we know I’m a sucker for). Characters were more split up and facing their own challenges and I missed some closer interactions. Everything is so magical on screen that I crave more! [And I’m staying away from names since this is a second book and I don’t want to spoil ships/connections/friendships/etc.].
This indie series is magical, action-packed, and definitely one I would recommend picking up!
Overall audience notes:
- Young adult fantasy
- Language: very little
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: physical, magical, elemental, natural disasters, weapons
ANOTHER GREAT BOOK.
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I just really love this series y’all.
Admittedly yes, there’s some book two syndrome here, but nothing that truly detracted from this well built fantasy. By the time the ending was coming up things were wild and I was asking myself [again] how I was supposed to wait for the next book!
I love all of these characters. They each have a unique voice in their point-of-view chapters and it’s easy to know who’s speaking. Everyone has differing strengths and weakness that shape choices and desires. Even with characters I feel like I shouldn’t love, I find myself cheering on their future character arcs because everyone is that compelling. Lyana, Rafe, Xander, and Cassi all have these amazing and well thought out stories that I am so here for to see how they unfold.
One of my favorite aspects was how the prophecy rolled out. I tend to find these kind of gimmicky, but this was written beautifully. It even surprised me how things were unveiled, who was who, and how it all came about. I’m curious how more of the prophecy will unfold and love where it’s going.
I wish I had a few more romantic interactions (which, we know I’m a sucker for). Characters were more split up and facing their own challenges and I missed some closer interactions. Everything is so magical on screen that I crave more! [And I’m staying away from names since this is a second book and I don’t want to spoil ships/connections/friendships/etc.].
This indie series is magical, action-packed, and definitely one I would recommend picking up!
Overall audience notes:
- Young adult fantasy
- Language: very little
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: physical, magical, elemental, natural disasters, weapons
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an eARC. All opinions are my own!
UTTERLY ADORABLE.
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I basically read this in one sitting because of how flippin’ precious it was. I was completely smitten with this book and am going to sing its praises in this review.
Originally concerned about the length (under 300 pages), I didn’t know what to expect for my first book by Wallace. BLOWN AWAY sounds about right now. I found this quick, fast-paced young adult rom-com exactly what I needed at the time and had me grinning and laughing throughout. Don’t let the length deter you, this is an absolute gem.
Madeline was a great main character. She was under some intense pressure from multiple forces in her life and at only 17! I liked the way she handled herself, but also still felt like a teenager. It was a great combination that made me feel for and understand Madeline’s motives.
Now the precious soccer player, Gabe? I am SO HERE FOR bad boys with a heart of gold. I’m easy to please when it comes to books with this nature. Gabe and Madeline’s relationship moved well and the pace was steady and absolutely sweet. I love the little dates they went on and the support they were both giving each other.
I love the Devil Wears Prada aspects and started to see them more after I finished it when I sat there unable to think about anything else. There’s plenty of allusions that are fun and quirky that make me think this should be a movie, and that I also need to re-watch TDWP.
AH. I am just in love with this book. Think its the perfect, sweet, YA rom-com you should definitely read if you’re even the tiny bit curious. I can’t wait to read more books from her!
Overall audience notes:
- YA Contemporary Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: bike crash
UTTERLY ADORABLE.
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I basically read this in one sitting because of how flippin’ precious it was. I was completely smitten with this book and am going to sing its praises in this review.
Originally concerned about the length (under 300 pages), I didn’t know what to expect for my first book by Wallace. BLOWN AWAY sounds about right now. I found this quick, fast-paced young adult rom-com exactly what I needed at the time and had me grinning and laughing throughout. Don’t let the length deter you, this is an absolute gem.
Madeline was a great main character. She was under some intense pressure from multiple forces in her life and at only 17! I liked the way she handled herself, but also still felt like a teenager. It was a great combination that made me feel for and understand Madeline’s motives.
Now the precious soccer player, Gabe? I am SO HERE FOR bad boys with a heart of gold. I’m easy to please when it comes to books with this nature. Gabe and Madeline’s relationship moved well and the pace was steady and absolutely sweet. I love the little dates they went on and the support they were both giving each other.
I love the Devil Wears Prada aspects and started to see them more after I finished it when I sat there unable to think about anything else. There’s plenty of allusions that are fun and quirky that make me think this should be a movie, and that I also need to re-watch TDWP.
AH. I am just in love with this book. Think its the perfect, sweet, YA rom-com you should definitely read if you’re even the tiny bit curious. I can’t wait to read more books from her!
Overall audience notes:
- YA Contemporary Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: bike crash
WHAT JUST HAPPENED.
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I’m pretty sure I said that out loud multiple times while reading this. But also, I don’t know how to write a full review without shouting spoilers at you, so bear with me. STILL SPOILER FREE. Just…seriously…GO READ THIS SERIES ASAP PLEASE.
Okay okay, this book was glorious and also destroyed me.
I absolutely loved getting to know all of the characters more. I felt that was missing from Aurora Rising and appreciated the depth and back stories that were added to each of the squad. I have a love for each of them in their own ways and I usually have a main character I don’t like…I can’t hate anyone from Squad 312.
I was especially smitten with getting more of Auri and Kal because woo-wee I am low-key [let’s be honest — high key] ObSeSeD with Kal. NOT TO MENTION, his narrator, Steve West, is also a minor obsession. I will listen to any book he reads. The audio books for this series are fantastic with a full cast, sound effects, and just making you feel like you are sitting there truly listening to the characters. I would highly recommend this as an audio book if you haven’t tried (and are curious about them) before!
A many many things happened over the 500 pages. So much that I can’t recount it all, other than saying, it was intensely filled. There was maybe one slow-ish portion for me, but that was it. Everything hit its markers and kept me reading as fast as I could. I loved the character progression and where this story is going.
AH I DON’T WANT TO FORGET TO MENTION. I have a new ship. And I can’t say that ship because it would spoil some things, but if you’ve read it, and know who I’m referring to, lets discuss. Because I love them. Their dynamic and intensity. The banter and forced proximity. Oooooh boy I hope this is going in the direction I’m imaging or book three might sink me.
I honestly can’t tell you how it ends, because I don’t know how it ends. How twisted is that? And hopefully that sentence made you want to pick this series up because it’s faaaabulous.
Overall audience notes:
- Young adult sci-fi
- Language: not very much
- Romance: kisses / make-outs; fade to black scenes, closed door scenes
- Violence: plenty, and fairly gory/bloody; weapons, explosions, physical, torture, guns, magic
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I’m pretty sure I said that out loud multiple times while reading this. But also, I don’t know how to write a full review without shouting spoilers at you, so bear with me. STILL SPOILER FREE. Just…seriously…GO READ THIS SERIES ASAP PLEASE.
Okay okay, this book was glorious and also destroyed me.
I absolutely loved getting to know all of the characters more. I felt that was missing from Aurora Rising and appreciated the depth and back stories that were added to each of the squad. I have a love for each of them in their own ways and I usually have a main character I don’t like…I can’t hate anyone from Squad 312.
I was especially smitten with getting more of Auri and Kal because woo-wee I am low-key [let’s be honest — high key] ObSeSeD with Kal. NOT TO MENTION, his narrator, Steve West, is also a minor obsession. I will listen to any book he reads. The audio books for this series are fantastic with a full cast, sound effects, and just making you feel like you are sitting there truly listening to the characters. I would highly recommend this as an audio book if you haven’t tried (and are curious about them) before!
A many many things happened over the 500 pages. So much that I can’t recount it all, other than saying, it was intensely filled. There was maybe one slow-ish portion for me, but that was it. Everything hit its markers and kept me reading as fast as I could. I loved the character progression and where this story is going.
AH I DON’T WANT TO FORGET TO MENTION. I have a new ship. And I can’t say that ship because it would spoil some things, but if you’ve read it, and know who I’m referring to, lets discuss. Because I love them. Their dynamic and intensity. The banter and forced proximity. Oooooh boy I hope this is going in the direction I’m imaging or book three might sink me.
I honestly can’t tell you how it ends, because I don’t know how it ends. How twisted is that? And hopefully that sentence made you want to pick this series up because it’s faaaabulous.
Overall audience notes:
- Young adult sci-fi
- Language: not very much
- Romance: kisses / make-outs; fade to black scenes, closed door scenes
- Violence: plenty, and fairly gory/bloody; weapons, explosions, physical, torture, guns, magic
CUTE AS EXPECTED.
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Found myself another charming Kasie West read. Definitely would put it up higher on my list of my favorites of hers.
I thought the romance was super cute. It did take some time for me to get on board with the relationship because I saw it going in a totally different direction (and that was just me choosing the wrong guy haha). But, once I saw how well they worked together they were utterly adorable. I like how the feelings developed and interactions. It was everything I’m looking for when I read a rom-com by West.
The podcast story line was fun. I’ve read one other book that has a radio theme and found that to be such a bust. This worked out well and allowed for growth in the main character, Kate. I thought her changes over the book were positive and I was really able to see that she was growing up. I love seeing these story lines in high school books. There’s so much to work through during those years!
The family and friend dynamic brought another good level for this book. I love when there’s an interesting family (this one all living on the same property). Added plenty of high-jinks and giving more layers to the characters.
Overall audience notes:
- Young adult contemporary romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
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Found myself another charming Kasie West read. Definitely would put it up higher on my list of my favorites of hers.
I thought the romance was super cute. It did take some time for me to get on board with the relationship because I saw it going in a totally different direction (and that was just me choosing the wrong guy haha). But, once I saw how well they worked together they were utterly adorable. I like how the feelings developed and interactions. It was everything I’m looking for when I read a rom-com by West.
The podcast story line was fun. I’ve read one other book that has a radio theme and found that to be such a bust. This worked out well and allowed for growth in the main character, Kate. I thought her changes over the book were positive and I was really able to see that she was growing up. I love seeing these story lines in high school books. There’s so much to work through during those years!
The family and friend dynamic brought another good level for this book. I love when there’s an interesting family (this one all living on the same property). Added plenty of high-jinks and giving more layers to the characters.
Overall audience notes:
- Young adult contemporary romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
LOVED THIS STORY.
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Oh man. This book made me nervous. I wasn’t sure if I could handle Gia. Some characters can really turn you off of a book and make them harder to read. This definitely started out that way. I am so glad I kept going because her character progression was on point.
Her friends made me roll my eyes and get angry more than once. I really couldn’t stand the way any of them were treating each other. I know this can definitely be realistic in high school and I appreciate that we got to see Gia move on from that kind of unnecessary drama.
Totally, absolutely smitten with the romance. The fake-relationship trope is a favorite of mine and this was written beautifully. I like how they found ways back to each other, while helping them work through their own life issues. Gia really won me over with how she learned to have friendships with others she normally wouldn’t. Once again, just happy to see her grow as a person over the book. Bradley and Gia made me melt. I thought Bradley was adorable and he constantly made me smile.
This is a favorite for Kasie West books.
Overall audience notes:
- Young adult contemporary romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
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Oh man. This book made me nervous. I wasn’t sure if I could handle Gia. Some characters can really turn you off of a book and make them harder to read. This definitely started out that way. I am so glad I kept going because her character progression was on point.
Her friends made me roll my eyes and get angry more than once. I really couldn’t stand the way any of them were treating each other. I know this can definitely be realistic in high school and I appreciate that we got to see Gia move on from that kind of unnecessary drama.
Totally, absolutely smitten with the romance. The fake-relationship trope is a favorite of mine and this was written beautifully. I like how they found ways back to each other, while helping them work through their own life issues. Gia really won me over with how she learned to have friendships with others she normally wouldn’t. Once again, just happy to see her grow as a person over the book. Bradley and Gia made me melt. I thought Bradley was adorable and he constantly made me smile.
This is a favorite for Kasie West books.
Overall audience notes:
- Young adult contemporary romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
Thank you to Shadow Mountain for the ARC in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.
3.5 stars
CHARMING AND INTENSE.
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Before we dive in, I have NOT read the other books in this series. I don’t feel like I was lost on anything. I recognized what were the previous couples from books, but since I didn’t know their story it didn’t phase me one way or the other! I think this can be read as a standalone if you wanted to!
This was a charming read! It’s been awhile since I’ve read anything steampunk and it was fun to read in this sub-genre again. I liked the world that was built and the mechanisms that were used to fit the theme.
Emme was a stubborn and brave heroine. I thought her match-up with Oliver was fantastic. His more firm, yet relaxed personality connected well with hers. Even though things seemed sped-up (which is occasionally hard for me to get behind), I thought the speed here worked well. I felt the chemistry between them and love some tender endearments between characters. And their banter made me smile too!
I can’t say it was a heavy Cinderella retelling. You really noticed it at the end, but that was about it. This didn’t have any affect on my rating, just something I noticed. I do think some of the action that happened was too easily solved. There wasn’t ever a time where I was legitimately concerned for a character.
This was a good, quick proper romance. After reading this I am interested in going back to read the other books in this series!
Overall audience notes:
- Historical / Steampunk Proper Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: physical, kidnapping, paranormal creature attacks
3.5 stars
CHARMING AND INTENSE.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
Before we dive in, I have NOT read the other books in this series. I don’t feel like I was lost on anything. I recognized what were the previous couples from books, but since I didn’t know their story it didn’t phase me one way or the other! I think this can be read as a standalone if you wanted to!
This was a charming read! It’s been awhile since I’ve read anything steampunk and it was fun to read in this sub-genre again. I liked the world that was built and the mechanisms that were used to fit the theme.
Emme was a stubborn and brave heroine. I thought her match-up with Oliver was fantastic. His more firm, yet relaxed personality connected well with hers. Even though things seemed sped-up (which is occasionally hard for me to get behind), I thought the speed here worked well. I felt the chemistry between them and love some tender endearments between characters. And their banter made me smile too!
I can’t say it was a heavy Cinderella retelling. You really noticed it at the end, but that was about it. This didn’t have any affect on my rating, just something I noticed. I do think some of the action that happened was too easily solved. There wasn’t ever a time where I was legitimately concerned for a character.
This was a good, quick proper romance. After reading this I am interested in going back to read the other books in this series!
Overall audience notes:
- Historical / Steampunk Proper Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: physical, kidnapping, paranormal creature attacks