Take a photo of a barcode or cover
2.92k reviews by:
goodeyreads
THE BLACK, QUEER THRILLER YOU NEED.
I am shook and completely freaked out by this book. I’ve never seen Gossip Girl or Get Out, but close friends have said it’s a great combination of both. I loved the academic setting, the twisted story, and how intense the ending was.
The two main characters, Chiamaka and Devon were amazing. I loved both of their POV’s. Both perspectives gave different sides to ultimately the same story. I was endeared by both of them and as the a creeping sense of dread swarmed my mind as the pages went on I couldn’t put this down.
Full of the nuanced, obvious and threatening realities of racism and supremacy. It was incredibly well written and I am in awe of what this author will write next. The relevant exploration of haunting themes will leave you speechless.
I loved the epilogue and the ending in general. I was invested in both story lines and love how Chiamaka’s and Devon’s story never overshadowed one another. Even with a bit of a slow start for me, it ramped up in the second half. For not a huge thriller fan, this is one where I’ll be shouting READ IT to anyone who’ll listen.
Overall audience notes:
- YA Thriller
- Language: strong
- Romance: kisses to closed door
- Trigger/Content Warnings: racism, homophobia, public outing, loss of a parent, murder, car accident, stalking
INTRIGUED.
An audio contemporary romance that gave me the happily ever after I was hoping for! This was such a sweet read and it felt like a newer plot than those I’ve read previously. Though it did have my favorite trope, enemies to lovers!!
I adored Ronan. He was strong and the right kind of snarky. He also knew how to apologize and lift those up around him. He was kind and I thought the chemistry between him and Blaire was pretty magical. Blaire is full of absolute fire and I loved that for her. A bit “not like the other girls” nonsense, but otherwise a great character. I liked the opposites attract themes here too between a bar and a bakery.
Blaire’s family was a bit all of the place . It felt really forced to have THAT much drama surrounding them in the handful of scenes they were actually on page. That plus the very heavy innuendo were my only pitfalls. The steamy scenes are definitely steamy, but easily skippable, so those of either preference can easily enjoy this read. There’s no overly dramatic miscommunication issue. I thought the ending and the epilogue were absolutely precious and the kind of sweetness I love seeing in a contemporary.
This was my first book by Helena Hunting and it’s intrigued me enough to take a look at some of her backlist titles!
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance
- Language: some strong
- Romance: kisses to open door
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of loved ones
GREAT READ.
I read this via audio (which had a great narrator and recommend if you’re interested in that format option!) and really enjoyed it. It’s one of those where afterwards you just realize, it was a notable book all around.
It felt incredibly important to read this story about Ben and how they chose to find their voice. There were many tough conversations and resonating ones throughout. I liked the therapy sessions, the reconnecting Ben was able to work through with their sister and the absolutely sweet romance between them and Nathan. Ben and Nathan just made me smile. Nathan was the right kind of counter balance for Ben and they really clicked from the beginning.
The scenes depicting anxiety and depression were raw and I sensed everything through the pages. It’s full of heartfelt desire for friendships and a true place to belong and Ben just wanting to understand and find themselves as a person. I felt like I learned a lot and I think it would be a great read for others looking to learn more about a non-binary experience.
Overall audience notes:
- YA Contemporary Romance
- Language: some strong
- Romance: kisses
- Trigger/Content Warnings: coming out scenes (some received well, others not), disownment from parents, misgendering, transmisia, homomisia, ableism, suicidal ideation, slut-shaming (side character), physical/emotional/verbal parental abuse, depression and anxiety (including on page depictions), underage alcohol consumption
I read this via audio (which had a great narrator and recommend if you’re interested in that format option!) and really enjoyed it. It’s one of those where afterwards you just realize, it was a notable book all around.
It felt incredibly important to read this story about Ben and how they chose to find their voice. There were many tough conversations and resonating ones throughout. I liked the therapy sessions, the reconnecting Ben was able to work through with their sister and the absolutely sweet romance between them and Nathan. Ben and Nathan just made me smile. Nathan was the right kind of counter balance for Ben and they really clicked from the beginning.
The scenes depicting anxiety and depression were raw and I sensed everything through the pages. It’s full of heartfelt desire for friendships and a true place to belong and Ben just wanting to understand and find themselves as a person. I felt like I learned a lot and I think it would be a great read for others looking to learn more about a non-binary experience.
Overall audience notes:
- YA Contemporary Romance
- Language: some strong
- Romance: kisses
- Trigger/Content Warnings: coming out scenes (some received well, others not), disownment from parents, misgendering, transmisia, homomisia, ableism, suicidal ideation, slut-shaming (side character), physical/emotional/verbal parental abuse, depression and anxiety (including on page depictions), underage alcohol consumption
SMITTEN.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
Absolutely loved this. What a gem. And to think I chose it at random because it was available on my library app and was less than 10 hours of a read (I listened on audio).
I connected with Lila on so many levels. Struggling with grief and loss. How she’s an avid baker. Loves to run (and also uses it as a coping mechanism). Many things just resonated with me.
Throw in a cute British boy and I became hooked. What I love about the evolution of their relationship was that it truly started out as a friendship. There wasn’t a dive into the romance. It was slow and progressive. It had room to breath as we found more about Orion’s history and Lila coping with hers. I found it beautiful and even more romantic for the way they came together.
Not to mention, all of the new friendships Lila made. This side cast solidified my love too. The way everyone took in Lila, as she was, and allowed her to be with them as she was ready. And all of the baking!! My mouth was watering every few pages. I desperately need to find some good Cuban food now.
This was a magnetic young adult contemporary. Highly recommend. A new favorite.
Overall audience notes:
- Young adult contemporary + romance
- Language: a little
- Romance: kisses
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of a loved one(s), depictions of grief and depression
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
Absolutely loved this. What a gem. And to think I chose it at random because it was available on my library app and was less than 10 hours of a read (I listened on audio).
I connected with Lila on so many levels. Struggling with grief and loss. How she’s an avid baker. Loves to run (and also uses it as a coping mechanism). Many things just resonated with me.
Throw in a cute British boy and I became hooked. What I love about the evolution of their relationship was that it truly started out as a friendship. There wasn’t a dive into the romance. It was slow and progressive. It had room to breath as we found more about Orion’s history and Lila coping with hers. I found it beautiful and even more romantic for the way they came together.
Not to mention, all of the new friendships Lila made. This side cast solidified my love too. The way everyone took in Lila, as she was, and allowed her to be with them as she was ready. And all of the baking!! My mouth was watering every few pages. I desperately need to find some good Cuban food now.
This was a magnetic young adult contemporary. Highly recommend. A new favorite.
Overall audience notes:
- Young adult contemporary + romance
- Language: a little
- Romance: kisses
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of a loved one(s), depictions of grief and depression
WHAT JUST HAPPENED.
How have more people not been discussing this book?? I willfully agree it had some flaws in the middle, but overall that beginning and ending kept me like a fish dangling on a hook.
I haven’t been flat out shook by a surprise twist in the first half of a book in awhile. This one took the cake. While I hated it, I also loved it because this was a strong start for a duology. The magic system is pretty cool (though I do think it needs more explanation/rules). The world building is mostly there and there’s a cruel prince…that might not be that cruel?! SIGN ME UPPPPPPP.
The middle did drag a bit because Ren’s magic involves her being able to look/take people’s memories. A lot of the story were just flashbacks from different characters who Ren enacted her magic abilities on. I could have done without so many of them as they felt like filler and didn’t necessarily push the plot forward.
Just like the beginning, the ending was WOW too. I couldn’t stop listening (audio is amazing if you love that format like me!!). Maybe didn’t loooove one small aspect, but for the most part, I was speechless. It was fantastic and I can’t wait to read the second book. Really a hidden gem for YA fantasy.
Overall audience notes:
- YA Fantasy
- Language: very little
- Romance: kisses to closed door
- Violence: physical altercation, magical attacks
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of loved ones, massive fires, some gore, suicide, graphic injuries, torture, poisoning, kidnapping
GREAT ENDING.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
I’m so sad this series is over!! [Though low-key stoked to see what the author writes next].
I found this book beautifully chaotic (and this is a high compliment). Many antics that had me laughing and eyes widening because I couldn’t believe what hijinks were happening next. The road trip that went South fast, yet brought Sam and Rhys together was everything I could hope for.
The subtlety of the enemies to lovers dynamic worked great for these two. It wasn’t heavy on the enemies side. It definitely moved QUICK to lovers. But the way St. Clair portrayed their love story had me never second guessing the pace. It was a fantastic fast-paced romance where I was swooning right along with Sam’s friends at every turn (the pinky hold?! adorable).
It was so fun with all of the hotel changes, book tour nonsense, weddings, video chats, airplane rides, candy stops and much much more. Typing that all out I can’t believe how much happened. I love that the gang was all together and how magical to see all of the happy endings. Even better, there was an epic-logue where 40 years in the future we got to see everyone again. I love additions like this!!! I’m smitten for any epilogue I can get my hands on and this was no exception.
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses/make-outs
- Trigger/Content Warnings: assault, misogyny
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
I’m so sad this series is over!! [Though low-key stoked to see what the author writes next].
I found this book beautifully chaotic (and this is a high compliment). Many antics that had me laughing and eyes widening because I couldn’t believe what hijinks were happening next. The road trip that went South fast, yet brought Sam and Rhys together was everything I could hope for.
The subtlety of the enemies to lovers dynamic worked great for these two. It wasn’t heavy on the enemies side. It definitely moved QUICK to lovers. But the way St. Clair portrayed their love story had me never second guessing the pace. It was a fantastic fast-paced romance where I was swooning right along with Sam’s friends at every turn (the pinky hold?! adorable).
It was so fun with all of the hotel changes, book tour nonsense, weddings, video chats, airplane rides, candy stops and much much more. Typing that all out I can’t believe how much happened. I love that the gang was all together and how magical to see all of the happy endings. Even better, there was an epic-logue where 40 years in the future we got to see everyone again. I love additions like this!!! I’m smitten for any epilogue I can get my hands on and this was no exception.
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses/make-outs
- Trigger/Content Warnings: assault, misogyny
BOB SAYS HI.
Yeah that hurt.
Anyways, another solid read for this series. I love it on audio and definitely recommend that avenue. The narrator does a great job and I can usually listen at a pretty fast pace too (and not miss anything).
I adore all of these characters yet again and love the expansion of getting to see Tartarus and all the dealings and monsters that happen down there. I was anxious the entire time for Percy and Annabeth because I will RIOT if I don’t get the kind of ending I want for them. It happens right?!
Many characters go through get arcs and I am impressed at how well each dynamic is kept up. I never feel like one aspect of the story is lacking or that a character isn’t getting enough page time. The rotation between everyone has created such well defined personalities and people. I love getting to know everyone more each time through their struggles and triumphs.
I did feel like this book ran a little long. But that was my only issue with it. Some action scenes dragged on a bit and I really noticed the pattern that was occurring so I was ready to move on to something else by the end. I am excited to finish this series!!
Overall audience notes:
- YA Urban Fantasy / Mythology
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: intense physical altercations also involving magic, near death experiences
THIS COVER IS EVERYTHING.
I can’t help my obsession with this cover. It’s just gorgeous. Every time I pulled up this book to read I stared at it some more because I couldn’t have enough. It is what it is.
ANYWAYS, I guess I’ll discuss the book now.
The first half was realllll slow. Really slow. The romantic slow build up was working for me, but the plot slow build with the Fae lands was not. They kept clashing and I didn’t know how I was going to enjoy it by the end.
Cue the second half. Much appreciated that this got a lot of momentum and was actually interesting. Once the blindfolds were removed, hot dang the chemistry between Katria and Davien was finally able to take off. THANK HEAVENS.
After that it did become fairly predictable (it’s a Cinderella retelling). Which can be bad and good. I really did end up loving the romance between Katira and Davien and felt that passion and tension. They were pretty enigmatic and I felt caught up in Davien’s vivid green eyes myself (see, cover obsession acknowledgement prior). Katria also got a much needed character arc before my frustrations grew anymore. I’m really handing this star ranking over to the second half of this book. It’s whimsical, it’s romantic, and I do like the set-up for book three.
Overall audience notes:
- Fantasy Romance / Retelling
- Language: a little
- Romance: kisses to brief open
- Violence: physical altercations, weaponry, kidnapping, magical attacks
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of loved ones, child abuse
SO SWEET.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
I’ve seen this book compared to a warm hug, and I truly see that analogy. This book is such a feel good read.
This cast is absolutely precious. Linus has some really relatable life sentiments and I thought it was really unique to a lot of books I’ve read that this was an older narrator. Throw him in with a group of children with unique abilities and I was smitten. I adored all of the children. Each was unique, made me smile and laugh, want to fiercely hug and protect, and cheer on that they would get the better future they deserved.
Cerulean Sea is a naturally slow read. It’s not fast paced and full of action. Instead it moves through the lives of all involved and leaves you with a vast amount of quotable moments. You could easily highlight half this book.
I loved the progression of the novel and how the story progressed with Linus. Getting to see him find happiness and love. Seeing the children get to branch out from their home. It was all so sweet!!
Overall audience notes:
- Fiction / Fantasy
- Language: very little
- Romance: kisses
- Trigger/Content Warnings: internalized fat/body shaming, homophobic language, mention of suicide
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
I’ve seen this book compared to a warm hug, and I truly see that analogy. This book is such a feel good read.
This cast is absolutely precious. Linus has some really relatable life sentiments and I thought it was really unique to a lot of books I’ve read that this was an older narrator. Throw him in with a group of children with unique abilities and I was smitten. I adored all of the children. Each was unique, made me smile and laugh, want to fiercely hug and protect, and cheer on that they would get the better future they deserved.
Cerulean Sea is a naturally slow read. It’s not fast paced and full of action. Instead it moves through the lives of all involved and leaves you with a vast amount of quotable moments. You could easily highlight half this book.
I loved the progression of the novel and how the story progressed with Linus. Getting to see him find happiness and love. Seeing the children get to branch out from their home. It was all so sweet!!
Overall audience notes:
- Fiction / Fantasy
- Language: very little
- Romance: kisses
- Trigger/Content Warnings: internalized fat/body shaming, homophobic language, mention of suicide
FRUSTRATION STATION.
I really wanted to love this. It just hit the mark on many things that I found myself skimming most of the book.
I did like Phillip. He felt like a real character who knew what he wanted and worked hard towards those goals. I like that Phillip made mistakes but also could apologize. He had some sweet moments with Elle and I was really pulling for him to see things through for his horses.
For Elle I felt eternally frustrated with her. She was wishy washy and hemming and hawing over every little thing Phillip (or anyone) did or said to her. I wanted her convictions to come through sooner and not in the closing chapter.
Phillip and Elle seemed to have chemistry, but for both of them, I felt like they were too involved in their own personal storylines. They took awhile to cross paths enough for me to be truly swept up in their romance. It’s a very short book and more purpose could’ve been put into the main plot line.
Overall audience notes:
- Regency Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of parents, stealing assets, impersonation and identity theft