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Thank you to Macmillian Audio and Netgalley for an ALC.
WHAT I WAS HOPING FOR.
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Duologies are a fickle beast. I have been disappointed quite a few times this year. Thank goodness, Steelstriker was not one of those books.
As I received an ALC I wanted to first mention the audio book. I listened to Skyhunter via audio and Steelstriker had the same narrators. LOVED IT. Seriously fantastic. I was able to listen at 2.5x speed and had no trouble with the narration. They did an incredible job and would highly recommend!
Now the book itself, ohhhhh the ACTION [and the pain]. This book is not light-hearted or for the feint of heart. Full of drama and intrigue as page by page I wasn’t sure who would survive. With that, there were some times I felt the book was slow (most of the middle). Some scenes and portions of the plot didn’t seem to work towards fulfilling the ultimate goal that was set-up in book one. It came noticeable enough to mention, but luckily the rest of the book carried over well.
And I would have desperately loved even more romance. I adore Red and Talin. These incredible brave, tough and scarred souls who found each other amidst everything crumbling around them. Wow I couldn’t get enough of their connection and the handful of moments I got with them on the same page.
Gratefully, those needed taken down are and the world can start grappling with all that has befallen their nations. I’m glad for an epilogue (that was necessary) to tie up some plot points and give a glimpse at the future.
Overall audience notes:
- YA Fantasy
- Language: very little
- Romance: kisses to one implied closed door
- Trigger/Content Warnings: war themes, mutilation and medical experimentation, torture, poisoning, blood and gore depiction, executions
WHAT I WAS HOPING FOR.
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Duologies are a fickle beast. I have been disappointed quite a few times this year. Thank goodness, Steelstriker was not one of those books.
As I received an ALC I wanted to first mention the audio book. I listened to Skyhunter via audio and Steelstriker had the same narrators. LOVED IT. Seriously fantastic. I was able to listen at 2.5x speed and had no trouble with the narration. They did an incredible job and would highly recommend!
Now the book itself, ohhhhh the ACTION [and the pain]. This book is not light-hearted or for the feint of heart. Full of drama and intrigue as page by page I wasn’t sure who would survive. With that, there were some times I felt the book was slow (most of the middle). Some scenes and portions of the plot didn’t seem to work towards fulfilling the ultimate goal that was set-up in book one. It came noticeable enough to mention, but luckily the rest of the book carried over well.
And I would have desperately loved even more romance. I adore Red and Talin. These incredible brave, tough and scarred souls who found each other amidst everything crumbling around them. Wow I couldn’t get enough of their connection and the handful of moments I got with them on the same page.
Gratefully, those needed taken down are and the world can start grappling with all that has befallen their nations. I’m glad for an epilogue (that was necessary) to tie up some plot points and give a glimpse at the future.
Overall audience notes:
- YA Fantasy
- Language: very little
- Romance: kisses to one implied closed door
- Trigger/Content Warnings: war themes, mutilation and medical experimentation, torture, poisoning, blood and gore depiction, executions
MOSTLY CUTE.
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I liked this much better than the first book by the author I read. The romance was a lot better. Humorous banter and flirty moments. Some super soft, cinnamon roll scenes and wow did I flat out swoon at the confession at the end. All good things in my book!
What I struggled most with (and was able to block out somewhat) was the utterly ridiculous side plot. I know it was there to push the romance forward but it was SO UNBELIEVABLE. There’s no way Maya would honestly consider marrying someone clearly horrid. Just, no. That too me out of the story every time it was brought up.
Otherwise, solid, sweet contemporary romance. It was quick, had the HEA I always adore and I found myself smirking and laughing at some of the antics. I look forward to what the author will write next.
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses/make-outs
- Trigger/Content Warnings: side character who’s being cheated on
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I liked this much better than the first book by the author I read. The romance was a lot better. Humorous banter and flirty moments. Some super soft, cinnamon roll scenes and wow did I flat out swoon at the confession at the end. All good things in my book!
What I struggled most with (and was able to block out somewhat) was the utterly ridiculous side plot. I know it was there to push the romance forward but it was SO UNBELIEVABLE. There’s no way Maya would honestly consider marrying someone clearly horrid. Just, no. That too me out of the story every time it was brought up.
Otherwise, solid, sweet contemporary romance. It was quick, had the HEA I always adore and I found myself smirking and laughing at some of the antics. I look forward to what the author will write next.
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses/make-outs
- Trigger/Content Warnings: side character who’s being cheated on
ABSOLUTELY LOVED.
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Ohhhhh my goodness, this was precious. If you’re a YA contemporary romance fan, add this to your TBR stat. It was reminiscent of To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and I was smitten with this childhood friends to lovers story.
The audio was great and really brought these characters to life. I loved getting to know Winnie’s family. It’s always refreshing to me when I get to read about sibling and parent dynamics in a book. They were heavily present and really showed off the cultural aspects and coming of age for Winnie.
Faking dating trope alert! Bless Winnie’s Mom for including this because Mat and Winnie were definitely endgame. I thought having all of the dates be recreations of pop culture romances were laugh out loud inducing. I’m sure people thought I was the weird one smiling out on my jogs while I listened to this. It really is a can’t help but smile book.
The ending came together so beautifully well. Winnie came through in owning who she wanted to date and how she wanted to go forward. Her parents were accepting and loving of her decision (and her sister’s). All around heartfelt and wonderful.
Overall audience notes:
- Young adult contemporary romance
- Language: a little
- Romance: kisses/make-outs
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Ohhhhh my goodness, this was precious. If you’re a YA contemporary romance fan, add this to your TBR stat. It was reminiscent of To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and I was smitten with this childhood friends to lovers story.
The audio was great and really brought these characters to life. I loved getting to know Winnie’s family. It’s always refreshing to me when I get to read about sibling and parent dynamics in a book. They were heavily present and really showed off the cultural aspects and coming of age for Winnie.
Faking dating trope alert! Bless Winnie’s Mom for including this because Mat and Winnie were definitely endgame. I thought having all of the dates be recreations of pop culture romances were laugh out loud inducing. I’m sure people thought I was the weird one smiling out on my jogs while I listened to this. It really is a can’t help but smile book.
The ending came together so beautifully well. Winnie came through in owning who she wanted to date and how she wanted to go forward. Her parents were accepting and loving of her decision (and her sister’s). All around heartfelt and wonderful.
Overall audience notes:
- Young adult contemporary romance
- Language: a little
- Romance: kisses/make-outs
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an eARC.
2.5 stars
SOMETHING BROKE.
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I am struggling with duologies lately. It’s like every time I go into the second book it feels way too dragged out as if there wasn’t enough plot for an entire new novel. I would rather read longer standalone fantasies than muddle through 75% of a book to get to the ending.
I wanted to love this, the beginning picked up almost right after the ending of the first book. Things got moving and I saw where things were going. My satisfaction dropped off when I realized how slow the pace was. I hate when a relationship is set up and confirmed in book one, then the couple doesn’t see each other again until 80% of the way through the last book. Where is the rest of the chemistry and romance?!
There was too much information thrown into this one. An entirely new cast with new relationships and villains. A dynamic that didn’t match all of the cast from the first book. Why couldn’t they have taken more center stage? [As you can see, I have many questions on the choices here]. By the time the ending rolled around I was through with it all. It was a bit confusing and with the devils at play I’m still not quite sure what happened.
I just missed the overall vibes that I felt with the first book. A lot fell flat. It’s an interesting world and I adore the magician set-up. The characters were initially great and I’ll hold on to what I liked about them in the beginning. I’m curious to see what books this author has next and hope to give those a chance.
Overall audience notes:
- YA Fantasy
- Language: a little strong
- Romance: kisses to closed door scene
- Violence: physical altercations, magical attacks and illusions
2.5 stars
SOMETHING BROKE.
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I am struggling with duologies lately. It’s like every time I go into the second book it feels way too dragged out as if there wasn’t enough plot for an entire new novel. I would rather read longer standalone fantasies than muddle through 75% of a book to get to the ending.
I wanted to love this, the beginning picked up almost right after the ending of the first book. Things got moving and I saw where things were going. My satisfaction dropped off when I realized how slow the pace was. I hate when a relationship is set up and confirmed in book one, then the couple doesn’t see each other again until 80% of the way through the last book. Where is the rest of the chemistry and romance?!
There was too much information thrown into this one. An entirely new cast with new relationships and villains. A dynamic that didn’t match all of the cast from the first book. Why couldn’t they have taken more center stage? [As you can see, I have many questions on the choices here]. By the time the ending rolled around I was through with it all. It was a bit confusing and with the devils at play I’m still not quite sure what happened.
I just missed the overall vibes that I felt with the first book. A lot fell flat. It’s an interesting world and I adore the magician set-up. The characters were initially great and I’ll hold on to what I liked about them in the beginning. I’m curious to see what books this author has next and hope to give those a chance.
Overall audience notes:
- YA Fantasy
- Language: a little strong
- Romance: kisses to closed door scene
- Violence: physical altercations, magical attacks and illusions
WAFFLING.
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That’s who I felt by the end. That I was waffling back and forth between how the story came to a conclusion. Everything was okay. This one wasn’t my favorite though.
I think I never got off on the right foot for the story. I don’t love one night stand tropes so when that happened right off the bat I was already wondering if this was going to circle back around. I will say, in the middle I adored Mark and Brinkley. There relationship went a whole lot better than I hoped and I was feeling the vibes between them. [The spice was too much for me and I did have to skip a lot, FYI].
The premise was interesting and luckily played out as it should. I thought the Heartbreak idea was unique at least. I just didn’t want it to be all of Brinkley’s personality. She had some good learning moments and came into her own by the end, which we love to see!!
I didn’t love the ending. It wrapped up way too quickly. And also…Mark was really in the wrong and I don’t know if I would have forgiven him that quickly. It closed out in a rush so I don’t even know how I feel about Mark and Brinkley at this point.
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance
- Language: some strong
- Romance: multiple open door
- Trigger/Content Warnings: emotional abuse and gaslighting, cheating recounted
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That’s who I felt by the end. That I was waffling back and forth between how the story came to a conclusion. Everything was okay. This one wasn’t my favorite though.
I think I never got off on the right foot for the story. I don’t love one night stand tropes so when that happened right off the bat I was already wondering if this was going to circle back around. I will say, in the middle I adored Mark and Brinkley. There relationship went a whole lot better than I hoped and I was feeling the vibes between them. [The spice was too much for me and I did have to skip a lot, FYI].
The premise was interesting and luckily played out as it should. I thought the Heartbreak idea was unique at least. I just didn’t want it to be all of Brinkley’s personality. She had some good learning moments and came into her own by the end, which we love to see!!
I didn’t love the ending. It wrapped up way too quickly. And also…Mark was really in the wrong and I don’t know if I would have forgiven him that quickly. It closed out in a rush so I don’t even know how I feel about Mark and Brinkley at this point.
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance
- Language: some strong
- Romance: multiple open door
- Trigger/Content Warnings: emotional abuse and gaslighting, cheating recounted
Y’ALL, I LIKED THIS ONE.
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I feel it should be said first, I didn’t finish this author’s previous series (A Curse So Dark and Lonely). After book two, I shrugged my shoulders and didn’t want to read the last one and I left it at that.
THEN. Many of my bookstagram friends raved about this book. RAVED. So I found myself downloading my library’s copy and here we are. I am much more thoroughly invested in this initial read and wow I can’t wait for more!!
What helped sell me on this was the romance. It moved beautifully. I loved the connection Tessa had with him and how things were unraveled and explained. The conflict worked itself out just the way it should and I want mooooore of them desperately.
A lot of this is predictable, but the plot is solid enough to still feel like it’s giving me new things to love. I liked the set-up for the next book and that this didn’t end on some massive cliffhanger. This is a fantasy I found myself not wanting to put down. One of those, shirk your duties, reads and I’m so glad it turned out that way. Can’t wait for more.
Overall audience notes:
- YA Fantasy Romance
- Language: very little
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: battles, physical altercations, weaponry
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of parents (and other loved ones), executions, rape and sexual assault discussed, epidemic, torture
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I feel it should be said first, I didn’t finish this author’s previous series (A Curse So Dark and Lonely). After book two, I shrugged my shoulders and didn’t want to read the last one and I left it at that.
THEN. Many of my bookstagram friends raved about this book. RAVED. So I found myself downloading my library’s copy and here we are. I am much more thoroughly invested in this initial read and wow I can’t wait for more!!
What helped sell me on this was the romance. It moved beautifully. I loved the connection Tessa had with him and how things were unraveled and explained. The conflict worked itself out just the way it should and I want mooooore of them desperately.
A lot of this is predictable, but the plot is solid enough to still feel like it’s giving me new things to love. I liked the set-up for the next book and that this didn’t end on some massive cliffhanger. This is a fantasy I found myself not wanting to put down. One of those, shirk your duties, reads and I’m so glad it turned out that way. Can’t wait for more.
Overall audience notes:
- YA Fantasy Romance
- Language: very little
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: battles, physical altercations, weaponry
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of parents (and other loved ones), executions, rape and sexual assault discussed, epidemic, torture
SUPER CUTE SPORTS ROMANCE.
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Okay, read this in a day (via audio, great narrator!!). Really enjoyed. Highly recommend.
I could probably leave it at that, but I’ll go in a little bit deeper.
I loved these characters. Everyone felt like they actually belonged in high school, but that it wasn’t rudely dramatic. Liv (and others) learned to apologize and accept mistakes and consequences. New friendships formed and the girl vs. girl hate was tamped down to appropriate levels. I just love that this team felt real, and Liv’s family felt real. Fantastic characters who really sold my love for this book.
The rooooomance was one you wanted to root for. Grey and Liv hit it off with a bit of banter and a whole lot of swoon. There was a natural flow to their story and the sweet kisses gave me all the heart eyes. I love the support Grey gave Liv and the trust they showed in each other. All around a wonderful YA love story.
You never know how a sport is going to come off in a book. For the football aspects, I thought this did a great job. I don’t remember glaring inaccuracies that took me out of the plot. And it never overshadowed either. Those final scenes with Liv on that field were those magical movie sports moments you love to see. I found myself cheering alongside everyone else.
Overall audience notes:
- YA Contemporary Romance
- Language: a little
- Romance: kisses
- Trigger/Content Warnings: recount of drunk driving accident (only involving the driver, no one else harmed), sports injuries (bruises, concussions, etc.), homophobic remarks, school expulsion, parent with cancer
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Okay, read this in a day (via audio, great narrator!!). Really enjoyed. Highly recommend.
I could probably leave it at that, but I’ll go in a little bit deeper.
I loved these characters. Everyone felt like they actually belonged in high school, but that it wasn’t rudely dramatic. Liv (and others) learned to apologize and accept mistakes and consequences. New friendships formed and the girl vs. girl hate was tamped down to appropriate levels. I just love that this team felt real, and Liv’s family felt real. Fantastic characters who really sold my love for this book.
The rooooomance was one you wanted to root for. Grey and Liv hit it off with a bit of banter and a whole lot of swoon. There was a natural flow to their story and the sweet kisses gave me all the heart eyes. I love the support Grey gave Liv and the trust they showed in each other. All around a wonderful YA love story.
You never know how a sport is going to come off in a book. For the football aspects, I thought this did a great job. I don’t remember glaring inaccuracies that took me out of the plot. And it never overshadowed either. Those final scenes with Liv on that field were those magical movie sports moments you love to see. I found myself cheering alongside everyone else.
Overall audience notes:
- YA Contemporary Romance
- Language: a little
- Romance: kisses
- Trigger/Content Warnings: recount of drunk driving accident (only involving the driver, no one else harmed), sports injuries (bruises, concussions, etc.), homophobic remarks, school expulsion, parent with cancer
NOT SWEET ENOUGH.
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Meh.
That’s how this book made me feel. What seemed like a cute young adult rom-com really never reached that whatsoever. Amelia focused SO MUCH on her best friend Cate that I honestly started thinking that this book must be about her. I was tired of hearing about Cate because I wanted to see some development in Amelia. She had no backbone and whined the entire book about not being good enough. Wow did that get old.
I did think the romance was mostly sweet. If it had been a larger part of the story I think it would have helped the books overall case. Also, this book made me want to make ice cream. So those are the redeeming qualities I found.
Going back and forth in the timeline to a different character didn’t mesh well either. I felt taken out of the book each time it flipped to Molly’s perspective. Yes, it was integral to the story but only at a forced angle. Only the last few pieces added to Amelia’s world and finally made her get it together.
Very underwhelmed by this.
Overall audience notes:
- Young adult contemporary / romance
- Language: a little
- Romance: kisses/make-outs
- Violence: mentions of war and missing soldiers (WW2)
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Meh.
That’s how this book made me feel. What seemed like a cute young adult rom-com really never reached that whatsoever. Amelia focused SO MUCH on her best friend Cate that I honestly started thinking that this book must be about her. I was tired of hearing about Cate because I wanted to see some development in Amelia. She had no backbone and whined the entire book about not being good enough. Wow did that get old.
I did think the romance was mostly sweet. If it had been a larger part of the story I think it would have helped the books overall case. Also, this book made me want to make ice cream. So those are the redeeming qualities I found.
Going back and forth in the timeline to a different character didn’t mesh well either. I felt taken out of the book each time it flipped to Molly’s perspective. Yes, it was integral to the story but only at a forced angle. Only the last few pieces added to Amelia’s world and finally made her get it together.
Very underwhelmed by this.
Overall audience notes:
- Young adult contemporary / romance
- Language: a little
- Romance: kisses/make-outs
- Violence: mentions of war and missing soldiers (WW2)
Reread October 2021: Did I already download the audio for a reread? Yes. NO REGRETS. I think I loved it even more because I knew what was coming and it's just so gosh dang sweet.
ABSOLUTELY ADORED.
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You might have seen that this book has A LOT OF HYPE.
THE HYPE IS WORTH IT.
I feel like I should just end my review there.
But, I’ll dive in a little bit deeper. The grump and sunshine trope was perfect. Adam and Olive were off the charts in banter and forced proximity moments where you know they’re both feeling it. I couldn’t get enough of each interaction they had. Those coffee dates were EVERYTHING. Not to mention I love a good, who did this to you, moment and TLH definitely had one for the books. Adam is the grumpy cinnamon roll of my bookish romance dreams and wow would I have loved getting chapters from his POV too.
I did notice some repetitive phrasing (like how many times Adam called Olive a smart-a**), and the spice was eh for me. But those were minor complaints in comparison to the whole. This had everything I love about romance books. Combining an engaging plot that supports the romance + plenty of times where swooning was the only applicable emotion. All of my heartstrings were tugged by the last page (because who doesn’t love a good confession moment?!).
The setting in STEM was amazing and the side characters greatly supported the plot. Every single thing just worked for this book. I consumed it because it’s nothing short of one of my top romance reads for 2021.
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary romance
- Language: some strong
- Romance: kisses to very open door
- Trigger/Content Warnings: sexual harassment, sexism, death of a parent recounted
ABSOLUTELY ADORED.
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You might have seen that this book has A LOT OF HYPE.
THE HYPE IS WORTH IT.
I feel like I should just end my review there.
But, I’ll dive in a little bit deeper. The grump and sunshine trope was perfect. Adam and Olive were off the charts in banter and forced proximity moments where you know they’re both feeling it. I couldn’t get enough of each interaction they had. Those coffee dates were EVERYTHING. Not to mention I love a good, who did this to you, moment and TLH definitely had one for the books. Adam is the grumpy cinnamon roll of my bookish romance dreams and wow would I have loved getting chapters from his POV too.
I did notice some repetitive phrasing (like how many times Adam called Olive a smart-a**), and the spice was eh for me. But those were minor complaints in comparison to the whole. This had everything I love about romance books. Combining an engaging plot that supports the romance + plenty of times where swooning was the only applicable emotion. All of my heartstrings were tugged by the last page (because who doesn’t love a good confession moment?!).
The setting in STEM was amazing and the side characters greatly supported the plot. Every single thing just worked for this book. I consumed it because it’s nothing short of one of my top romance reads for 2021.
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary romance
- Language: some strong
- Romance: kisses to very open door
- Trigger/Content Warnings: sexual harassment, sexism, death of a parent recounted
CAN I JOIN THE KEEL HAUL?
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I looooved this. Sometimes the second book in a duology fails me, TODAY IS NOT THAT DAY. I had such a great time reading All the Tides of Fate.
I’m absolutely in love with this entire crew. Bastian, that roguish pirate has my whole heart. HE’S SUCH A CINNAMON ROLL. Ohemgee, let me love him. Good thing Amora got it together in that regard. Also, Vataea, that mermaid is the most bada** one I’ve come across in books lately. Wow do I want to be her. And we have Shanty and Ferrick who round out one of my favorite found family/close friend groups. Seriously couldn’t get enough of them, even when it ’bout brought me to tears in the end.
I loved the pacing of this story. It moved quickly, but I felt each location had enough happening and didn’t feel rushed. I liked the premise of trying to break the curse and recovering from a devastating loss. Amora worked so hard to find a way to be helpful to her kingdom and to ultimately see what needed to be done to accomplish that goal. I loved her as a main character. Her wit and strength and the way she learned to lean on others makers her a favorite of mine.
Frankly I would have loved even more books in this series, so I’m definitely excited to see what this author writes next. It was a wonderful duology. I loved the world-building with all of the different islands and how the magic system was explained. I didn’t find anything confusing and just loved how great of a young adult fantasy series this was.
Overall audience notes:
- Young adult fantasy
- Language: a little
- Romance: kisses/make-outs; one slightly open door scene
- Violence: magic system used blood/skin/bones, many character deaths, murder
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of loved ones, depictions of PTSD and panic attacks, depictions of grief
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I looooved this. Sometimes the second book in a duology fails me, TODAY IS NOT THAT DAY. I had such a great time reading All the Tides of Fate.
I’m absolutely in love with this entire crew. Bastian, that roguish pirate has my whole heart. HE’S SUCH A CINNAMON ROLL. Ohemgee, let me love him. Good thing Amora got it together in that regard. Also, Vataea, that mermaid is the most bada** one I’ve come across in books lately. Wow do I want to be her. And we have Shanty and Ferrick who round out one of my favorite found family/close friend groups. Seriously couldn’t get enough of them, even when it ’bout brought me to tears in the end.
I loved the pacing of this story. It moved quickly, but I felt each location had enough happening and didn’t feel rushed. I liked the premise of trying to break the curse and recovering from a devastating loss. Amora worked so hard to find a way to be helpful to her kingdom and to ultimately see what needed to be done to accomplish that goal. I loved her as a main character. Her wit and strength and the way she learned to lean on others makers her a favorite of mine.
Frankly I would have loved even more books in this series, so I’m definitely excited to see what this author writes next. It was a wonderful duology. I loved the world-building with all of the different islands and how the magic system was explained. I didn’t find anything confusing and just loved how great of a young adult fantasy series this was.
Overall audience notes:
- Young adult fantasy
- Language: a little
- Romance: kisses/make-outs; one slightly open door scene
- Violence: magic system used blood/skin/bones, many character deaths, murder
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of loved ones, depictions of PTSD and panic attacks, depictions of grief