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6th Reread May 2023: I am prepping for The Endless War and THIS BOOK NEVER GETS OLD.
5th reread: May 2022
4th reread: STILL HURTS Y'ALL. Still one of my favorite fantasy romances ever!!!!!
Third re-read/listen February 2020: I AM READY FOR THE TRAITOR QUEEN.
Second listen: August 2019 - STILL LOVE IT. STILL BROKE MY HEART AT THE EXACT SAME MOMENT. I need book two desperately.
MY NEW FAVORITE BOOK.
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No really, I’m serious.
Without a doubt this is my new favorite new adult fantasy romance.
First, the ANGST between these two had me melting. I LIVE FOR ANGSTY ROMANCE. It’s an enemies to lovers trope with the crux being a marriage because of a treaty. These two have never seen each other and know very little (and incorrect) information about each other. And it creates this amazing vibe between these two. Lara and Aren that I am here for. ALL DAY LONG. This romance is slow building, tender, and intense.
This world-building was so cool too. We only got highlights of the two main kingdoms (Lara’s home, Maridrina & Arn’s home, Ithicana). But Ithicana is one of the neater fantasy locations I’ve read about. It has this huge bridge running through it, it’s made of islands. We have killer sharks and snakes roaming the sea and lands. SO COOL.
I knew the ending was out to destroy me. You could feel it in the air. And it did. Ugh, heart ripped out, knowing it had to happen to create book two. Am I happy about it? NOPE. Do I understand? Sure sure. I am even more excited for book two because reunion scene? Oh heeeeck yes.
Trust me. If you have any inkling about this book, read it. It is currently only on Audible but is releases as a physical book in August. I thought the Audible version was great though! I was enraptured by it and had no problems keeping up.
Overall audience notes:
- New adult fantasy romance
- Language: some strong language + occasional crude language
- Romance: an almost love scene (somewhat detailed), kisses, explicit love scenes
- Violence: arrows, war, ship battles, shark attacks, snake bites, murder, poison , knives
5th reread: May 2022
4th reread: STILL HURTS Y'ALL. Still one of my favorite fantasy romances ever!!!!!
Third re-read/listen February 2020: I AM READY FOR THE TRAITOR QUEEN.
Second listen: August 2019 - STILL LOVE IT. STILL BROKE MY HEART AT THE EXACT SAME MOMENT. I need book two desperately.
MY NEW FAVORITE BOOK.
BLOG || INSTA
No really, I’m serious.
Without a doubt this is my new favorite new adult fantasy romance.
First, the ANGST between these two had me melting. I LIVE FOR ANGSTY ROMANCE. It’s an enemies to lovers trope with the crux being a marriage because of a treaty. These two have never seen each other and know very little (and incorrect) information about each other. And it creates this amazing vibe between these two. Lara and Aren that I am here for. ALL DAY LONG. This romance is slow building, tender, and intense.
This world-building was so cool too. We only got highlights of the two main kingdoms (Lara’s home, Maridrina & Arn’s home, Ithicana). But Ithicana is one of the neater fantasy locations I’ve read about. It has this huge bridge running through it, it’s made of islands. We have killer sharks and snakes roaming the sea and lands. SO COOL.
I knew the ending was out to destroy me. You could feel it in the air. And it did. Ugh, heart ripped out, knowing it had to happen to create book two. Am I happy about it? NOPE. Do I understand? Sure sure. I am even more excited for book two because reunion scene? Oh heeeeck yes.
Trust me. If you have any inkling about this book, read it. It is currently only on Audible but is releases as a physical book in August. I thought the Audible version was great though! I was enraptured by it and had no problems keeping up.
Overall audience notes:
- New adult fantasy romance
- Language: some strong language + occasional crude language
- Romance: an almost love scene (somewhat detailed), kisses, explicit love scenes
- Violence: arrows, war, ship battles, shark attacks, snake bites, murder, poison , knives
BLAND.
This book was too easy.
From the moment they met it was instant EVERYTHING. And I will acknowledge instant attraction can work, but it just didn’t do it for me here. I wanted to feel like there was some angst, some will they/won’t they. Conor and Jess were practically a couple from the get-go (and you can’t convince me otherwise). It led to a really boring plot that could have been great. It’s a brother’s best friend’s trope. THERE WAS SO MUCH TO WORK WITH.
If I was going to pick something I did enjoy, I liked the initial set-up. I’m all for a roommate situation and how it can build with some good ol’ forced proximity. The banter and conversations were fairly humorous and it was written well. So even though I didn’t click with much of this it could definitely be different for you.
I was looking for a lot more and I’ll wait to see about reading the next in the series (though that looks like an enemies to lovers story, so I’m hopeful).
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses / make-outs
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an eARC!
HOW ADORABLE.
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Ahhhhh so happy I got an ARC of this one because Y’ALL.
CUTENESS OVERLOAD.
Okay, first I need to preface this by saying, I have NOT seen You’ve Got Mail. I will in no way be able to convey if it’s like it or not (the summary says it is). So with that skeleton thrown out of my closet, lets get into the review!
I couldn’t get enough of this couple. Gracie and Sebastian play a perfectly sweet sunshine/grump + hidden identities (a FAV) scenario that had me grinning from ear to ear. All of their interactions were spot on and they were easy to fall in love with. The whole cast was easy to fall in love with for that matter.
This seemed to play on a little bit of an insta-love, but in a realistic style. I had no issues with the progression and timeline. Everything felt so natural that Sebastian and Gracie would fall in love. If anything I would have loved even more page time with them. I love how sweet they were on each other without even trying. Gosh the chemistry was fantastic.
Aaaand the family dynamics!! This had some of the best sibling relationships I’ve read about in a long time. They were all so kind!! And supportive!! And there for each other!! Ahhhh, I loved it. It was so meaningful to see these connections along side the romantic one. Graice had a lot of solid friendships as well. I really think all of these other people in Gracie’s life made this book sing. Nothing felt lacking even with the romance at the forefront.
There was so much to this story (and for under 300 pages I am wowza impressed). I found myself absolutely invested in that final movie ending moment and how CUTE. Just gave me all of the giddy, sunshiney feelings.
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance
- Language: very little
- Romance: kisses
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of parents (happened prior to timeline in book), a side couple struggles with infertility
HOW ADORABLE.
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Ahhhhh so happy I got an ARC of this one because Y’ALL.
CUTENESS OVERLOAD.
Okay, first I need to preface this by saying, I have NOT seen You’ve Got Mail. I will in no way be able to convey if it’s like it or not (the summary says it is). So with that skeleton thrown out of my closet, lets get into the review!
I couldn’t get enough of this couple. Gracie and Sebastian play a perfectly sweet sunshine/grump + hidden identities (a FAV) scenario that had me grinning from ear to ear. All of their interactions were spot on and they were easy to fall in love with. The whole cast was easy to fall in love with for that matter.
This seemed to play on a little bit of an insta-love, but in a realistic style. I had no issues with the progression and timeline. Everything felt so natural that Sebastian and Gracie would fall in love. If anything I would have loved even more page time with them. I love how sweet they were on each other without even trying. Gosh the chemistry was fantastic.
Aaaand the family dynamics!! This had some of the best sibling relationships I’ve read about in a long time. They were all so kind!! And supportive!! And there for each other!! Ahhhh, I loved it. It was so meaningful to see these connections along side the romantic one. Graice had a lot of solid friendships as well. I really think all of these other people in Gracie’s life made this book sing. Nothing felt lacking even with the romance at the forefront.
There was so much to this story (and for under 300 pages I am wowza impressed). I found myself absolutely invested in that final movie ending moment and how CUTE. Just gave me all of the giddy, sunshiney feelings.
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance
- Language: very little
- Romance: kisses
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of parents (happened prior to timeline in book), a side couple struggles with infertility
3.5 stars
FIRST KINSELLA BOOK.
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Was it the best one to choose? I have no idea. I did enjoy this one at least. A comment to the audio book though, did not love it.
Anywho, Samantha definitely had me laughing at some of the antics she got wrapped up in. It was funny and great to see her struggle with some of the very basics of house care. I didn’t love her at first (and that was probably the intention) because of how much of a workaholic she was. The change over the course of the book for Samantha was very needed and well crafted. Her new persona felt like it really matched the true Samantha by the end.
I wish the romance was more developed. Her and Nathaniel went from zero to one-hundred like whoa. Granted, there were some cute moments, especially near the end, that worked in their favor. Overall though, I wanted more.
I’m so glad that this story had some great resolutions. Getting more to Samantha’s life as a lawyer and what happened with her law firm helped me appreciate the entire story. I needed to know that it worked out in Samantha’s favor one way or another and this is why I love a good happy ever after!
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance / Fiction
- Language: some strong throughout
- Romance: kisses / make-outs; some closed door scenes and a mild open door scene
FIRST KINSELLA BOOK.
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Was it the best one to choose? I have no idea. I did enjoy this one at least. A comment to the audio book though, did not love it.
Anywho, Samantha definitely had me laughing at some of the antics she got wrapped up in. It was funny and great to see her struggle with some of the very basics of house care. I didn’t love her at first (and that was probably the intention) because of how much of a workaholic she was. The change over the course of the book for Samantha was very needed and well crafted. Her new persona felt like it really matched the true Samantha by the end.
I wish the romance was more developed. Her and Nathaniel went from zero to one-hundred like whoa. Granted, there were some cute moments, especially near the end, that worked in their favor. Overall though, I wanted more.
I’m so glad that this story had some great resolutions. Getting more to Samantha’s life as a lawyer and what happened with her law firm helped me appreciate the entire story. I needed to know that it worked out in Samantha’s favor one way or another and this is why I love a good happy ever after!
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance / Fiction
- Language: some strong throughout
- Romance: kisses / make-outs; some closed door scenes and a mild open door scene
A GOOD START.
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Somehow this fantasy has slipped past my radar! I read it based off a friends recommendation and I overall, really enjoyed this one. Definitely interested in the sequel sometime!
Foundryside is a very plot heavy book. Action scenes take up a lot of pages, as well as magic system breakdown scenes. I liked the idea of the magic system, but honestly, am still a bit confused by it all. Somethings became clearer over time and others are still murky. It is unique though and it never felt like info-dumping during discussions.
I liked the multi-POV set-up too! I love a few narrators during a long fantasy book and this one held up. Getting to see multiple sides to the story from vastly different characters was exactly what this book needed. My only real complaint for this read was that there wasn’t enough characterization for me. While I loved the mixed points of view, I didn’t feel super connected to anyone. Honestly, I can’t even tell you what anyone looks like. I wanted to understand the characters better. Now, this did get better on that front towards the end, so maybe book two helps as well?
The world-building was fascinating (if, like the magic system, confusing). I hope that is also expounded on in book two. I thought by the end I was starting to figure out all of the terminology, yet I’m pretty sure I’m lost on some fronts. This kept my attention though. It’s a slower read style fantasy that takes its time, but packs in the action at the right times.
Overall audience notes:
- Adult fantasy
- Language: some mild
- Romance: kiss
- Violence: physical altercations, murder, magic, explosions
- Trigger/Content Warnings: fatmisia, hate slurs, slavery, sexual assault, domestic abuse, PTSD, medical experimentation, gun violence, child trafficking
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Somehow this fantasy has slipped past my radar! I read it based off a friends recommendation and I overall, really enjoyed this one. Definitely interested in the sequel sometime!
Foundryside is a very plot heavy book. Action scenes take up a lot of pages, as well as magic system breakdown scenes. I liked the idea of the magic system, but honestly, am still a bit confused by it all. Somethings became clearer over time and others are still murky. It is unique though and it never felt like info-dumping during discussions.
I liked the multi-POV set-up too! I love a few narrators during a long fantasy book and this one held up. Getting to see multiple sides to the story from vastly different characters was exactly what this book needed. My only real complaint for this read was that there wasn’t enough characterization for me. While I loved the mixed points of view, I didn’t feel super connected to anyone. Honestly, I can’t even tell you what anyone looks like. I wanted to understand the characters better. Now, this did get better on that front towards the end, so maybe book two helps as well?
The world-building was fascinating (if, like the magic system, confusing). I hope that is also expounded on in book two. I thought by the end I was starting to figure out all of the terminology, yet I’m pretty sure I’m lost on some fronts. This kept my attention though. It’s a slower read style fantasy that takes its time, but packs in the action at the right times.
Overall audience notes:
- Adult fantasy
- Language: some mild
- Romance: kiss
- Violence: physical altercations, murder, magic, explosions
- Trigger/Content Warnings: fatmisia, hate slurs, slavery, sexual assault, domestic abuse, PTSD, medical experimentation, gun violence, child trafficking
REALLY ENJOYABLE.
I flew through this book quickly. The writing led to a easy and great paced story for a coming of age teen, Charlie.
The conversations throughout hit me deep in many ways. Some I could understand and connect with and others I won’t ever be able to understand, but appreciated seeing it in a book to help me understand more. There was a lot of great dialogue here and I’m grateful that I had the chance to read this.
Within the bigger and tougher discussions was an adorable romance. I thought Brian was precious and I loved all of the dates and interactions and the chemistry between him and Charlie. Some of the dialogue is very high school, though I wasn’t too affected by it. I thought everything felt pretty authentic to a 16/17 year-old without being over the top.
What I didn’t love was how the conflict went down with Brian. It just seemed liked it could have been addressed better and not dragged out as long as it was for the sake of the drama. A conversation after cooling down would have nicely moved things along rather than trying to force a grand gesture at the end.
Overall audience notes:
- YA Contemporary romance
- Language: some strong
- Romance: kisses / heated make-outs; discussion of sex
- Trigger/Content Warnings: fatmisia, body shaming, diet culture, disordered eating
COULDN’T PUT THIS DOWN.
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Absolutely loved this. Worth the hype. What a story. This writing style was unique and magnetic. It has such a quick pace that I just kept flipping pages and couldn’t believe how much I had read. I loved going into this without reading the synopsis and I suggest you do too (but do read the trigger/content warnings list first).
I couldn’t believe how much I fell in love with these characters. Many annoyed me at the beginning and as the plot developed, wow, was I caught up in each individual’s story. The way they’re woven together and inter-connected, *amazing*.
This also plays as a mystery and that kept me wanting to unravel the entire story. I wanted to see the big picture. Feel all of the emotions rolling around and loved how the “worst hostages ever” made this novel.
There’s so much here. Love, compassion, kindness and humility. The struggles of living and making a normal day survivable. Many of the sentiments discussed resonated on such a deep level with me. I loved it.
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary fiction
- Language: very little (maybe even none, I read it so fast I forgot to mark if I noticed any)
- Trigger/Content Warnings: suicide, suicidal thoughts, substance abuse, addiction, loss of loved ones, depictions of anxiety and depression
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Absolutely loved this. Worth the hype. What a story. This writing style was unique and magnetic. It has such a quick pace that I just kept flipping pages and couldn’t believe how much I had read. I loved going into this without reading the synopsis and I suggest you do too (but do read the trigger/content warnings list first).
I couldn’t believe how much I fell in love with these characters. Many annoyed me at the beginning and as the plot developed, wow, was I caught up in each individual’s story. The way they’re woven together and inter-connected, *amazing*.
This also plays as a mystery and that kept me wanting to unravel the entire story. I wanted to see the big picture. Feel all of the emotions rolling around and loved how the “worst hostages ever” made this novel.
There’s so much here. Love, compassion, kindness and humility. The struggles of living and making a normal day survivable. Many of the sentiments discussed resonated on such a deep level with me. I loved it.
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary fiction
- Language: very little (maybe even none, I read it so fast I forgot to mark if I noticed any)
- Trigger/Content Warnings: suicide, suicidal thoughts, substance abuse, addiction, loss of loved ones, depictions of anxiety and depression
MOSTLY CUTE.
This was a quick, sweet read from Kindle Unlimited. Though as I’m sitting here to write this review (a few days after finishing) I’m realizing I don’t remember much. And that’s the story of this book. It wasn’t that memorable.
I think the interactions between Cohen and Mia were overall cute. I liked the banter when they starting acknowledging feelings between each other. Cohen was charming and kind, Mia very insecure, but working on her confidence.
What I didn’t love was that some scenes felt cringey. I understand that Mina was getting a make-over and it was supposed to be sweet, but it was heavily focused on this aspect. Like if she changed all of these things people would like and notice her. And I’m NOT saying that if you want to do those things you can, it was the way that the scenes came off that rubbed me the wrong way.
Different pieces were great, others not so much. I know a lot of others who’ve loved this so if you’re interesting in a young adult appropriate romance this could be for you!
Overall audience notes:
- YA Contemporary Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Trigger/Content Warning: bullying
FOUND A NEW SERIES.
I have sat on this series since the first book came out last year. I was worried the spice was going to be too much for me. And it was at the end (and I’m talking 90%) where I could easily skip past. But it was also less than I was thinking, So if that’s a possible hang up for you, I’ll mention as well that this story was FANTASTIC and definitely worth the read.
Ryder and Willa were the definition of frenemies. Forced to work together in a college class where the game became teasing/pranking each other until they couldn’t keep their hands off of each other. I loved it. The banter and chemistry. The heated glances and moments caught under a waterfall. All amazing stuff.
There were a lot of deeper conversations about disability, coping with loss, grief, depression and more. It’s heavily character driven plot (my fav) and brought about many heart-filled moments where I wanted to yell at the characters, and also hug them fiercely. This will bring out plenty of emotions.
And I loved that Willa was the soccer star! It was different from the majority of sports romances and I am here for it. I really enjoyed this writing style and how involved I became in Willa and Ryder’s lives. I’m happy I picked this one up and have already grabbed book two.
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary sports romance
- Language: some strong
- Romance: kisses to very open door scenes
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of a parent, cancer, depictions of grief and severe depression
FANTASTIC CONCLUSION.
Some dulogies really hit with that second book. This is without a doubt the case here. LOVED IT. Everything I needed. Especially since I gave the first book 3.5 stars and wasn’t convinced to pick this up for awhile. It took the audio coming to my library (which by the way, is AMAZING. Highly recommend the audio) for me to read it and I’m so happy I did!!
I LOVE THESE CHARACTERS. I probably will forget to name them all, but the main characters and supporting cast are well thought out and flow into the story perfectly. I loved Zafira and her fiery, determined nature. Nasir who is clearly the biggest cinnamon roll alive. Altair who I just want to be best friends with and Kifah who rounds out this crew with her loyalty and sharp wit. There’s many more I could mention. I loved the balance between plot and character drive.
The rooooomance. Oh it picked up beautifully. Anytime Zafira and Nasir were in the same location I got all of the giddy heart flutters waiting for them to connect. The impassioned kisses and utterly tender words whispered. MY HEART. And I’m pretty sure that ending added years to my life.
My only tiny complaint was that it took me a minute to get into and understand how the magic system was connecting with the larger plot. Since the WHtF was a travelling story I felt like I didn’t get a lot of explanations. Grateful that WFtS spread that out without info dumping. The world building and magic system are intricate and well plotted.
Overall audience notes:
- YA Fantasy + Romance
- Language: very little
- Romance: kisses / heated make-outs
- Violence: battle scenes, weapons violence, magical and physical altercations