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Wow do I just always love Brown's books.
Full review to come!
Full review to come!
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an eARC.
WILD RIDE.
Wow did I eat this up in a day. Even when I get frustrated with the story I can’t help but be charmed by the writing. It’s easy to consume and has a rollercoaster of events to keep things moving.
Finlay and Vero are at it again. Trying to solve the mystery of the hit put out on Steven. I couldn’t believe some of the things they were getting up to and some of the decisions being made. While I can’t fathom making some of them and have to suspend reality a bit (since it gets ridiculous at times) I still like how high stakes it feels. There’s many well timed moments and parts that I just couldn’t put the book down.
I don’t love Vero. Maybe it’s because I don’t fully trust her? I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop about her background and thank heavens all will be revealed [hopefully] in the next book because I NEED ANSWERS. Yes there’s more to come. A fact I didn’t know prior and want to state now.
I am alllllllll team Nick. ALL IN. This love triangle has also kept me intrigued and I like the push and pull from both sides. I want all the romance with him. I appreciate the many layers to this story and how deeper things keep going. It’s a bit twisted, with a good dash of humor and intense moments.
Overall audience notes:
- Mystery + Romance
- Language: some strong
- Romance: heated make-outs & light innuendo
- Trigger/Content Warnings: attempted murder, gun violence, murder, kidnapping, loss of a loved one, extortion
TOO MUCH OF A FLASHBACK.
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I feel like I’ve really struggled through this series. It’s up and down. This was more of a down for me.
My biggest issue was that this book was essentially a flashback. I haaaaate flashback books. It’s fine when it’s part of the story that’s going forward, and yeah, things were moving forward. Yet this entire time it was essentially old news. I knew what was going to happen.
I’m still into the romance between Taavin and Vi. It’s sweet. I wish there was more between them. I’ve been enjoying the banter and the quiet moments they get together. It makes me hopeful for the finale of this series.
I don’t feel like I have much to say. I do enjoy the writing and the series at its base. This was just mostly a dud for me.
Overall audience notes:
- Young adult fantasy
- Language: light
- Romance: kisses/make-outs
- Violence: physical altercations, murder, elemental magic
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I feel like I’ve really struggled through this series. It’s up and down. This was more of a down for me.
My biggest issue was that this book was essentially a flashback. I haaaaate flashback books. It’s fine when it’s part of the story that’s going forward, and yeah, things were moving forward. Yet this entire time it was essentially old news. I knew what was going to happen.
I’m still into the romance between Taavin and Vi. It’s sweet. I wish there was more between them. I’ve been enjoying the banter and the quiet moments they get together. It makes me hopeful for the finale of this series.
I don’t feel like I have much to say. I do enjoy the writing and the series at its base. This was just mostly a dud for me.
Overall audience notes:
- Young adult fantasy
- Language: light
- Romance: kisses/make-outs
- Violence: physical altercations, murder, elemental magic
AMAZING WRITING.
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That was one of my largest takeaways here. This book is magnetic. I was swept away in this story about Cas returning home to find what the plague has wreaked havoc upon. The audio is STELLAR. Highly recommend and I love the way the narrator gave a humorous voice to Cas. It perfectly off-set the darker sides of this tale and made it all the better.
I looove that this was told from the guy’s perspective. That’s not super common in YA lit. Cas was a resilient man who was looking out for those he loved, and the kingdom he fights for, all while bonding with Lena. I also adored Lena. Both of these characters sold the story for me. I loved the interactions, the banter, and watching their connection strengthen over time. I wouldn’t exactly call it a romance because it’s not heavily implied, but there’s feelings there by the end.
The story was intriguing and I liked the mystery aspect of it all. I remember thinking, WAIT WHAT, a few times as the reveals started occurring in the second half. The twists and turns are there and plenty of action to keep things moving. I can’t believe this was a standalone. It was without a doubt, one of the best ones I’ve read this year. Everything was well built and formulated to occur at the necessary pacing to finish up in less than 350 pages.
Absolute gem, highly recommend. I can’t wait to find out what this author will write next!
Overall audience notes:
- YA Fantasy
- Language: very little
- Romance: flirting (maybe a kiss at the end?)
- Violence: skirmishes, weaponry wounds (arrows, swords)
- Trigger/Content Warnings: plague (based off of the Black Death), loss of many loved ones, medical experimentation, near drowning of an infant
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That was one of my largest takeaways here. This book is magnetic. I was swept away in this story about Cas returning home to find what the plague has wreaked havoc upon. The audio is STELLAR. Highly recommend and I love the way the narrator gave a humorous voice to Cas. It perfectly off-set the darker sides of this tale and made it all the better.
I looove that this was told from the guy’s perspective. That’s not super common in YA lit. Cas was a resilient man who was looking out for those he loved, and the kingdom he fights for, all while bonding with Lena. I also adored Lena. Both of these characters sold the story for me. I loved the interactions, the banter, and watching their connection strengthen over time. I wouldn’t exactly call it a romance because it’s not heavily implied, but there’s feelings there by the end.
The story was intriguing and I liked the mystery aspect of it all. I remember thinking, WAIT WHAT, a few times as the reveals started occurring in the second half. The twists and turns are there and plenty of action to keep things moving. I can’t believe this was a standalone. It was without a doubt, one of the best ones I’ve read this year. Everything was well built and formulated to occur at the necessary pacing to finish up in less than 350 pages.
Absolute gem, highly recommend. I can’t wait to find out what this author will write next!
Overall audience notes:
- YA Fantasy
- Language: very little
- Romance: flirting (maybe a kiss at the end?)
- Violence: skirmishes, weaponry wounds (arrows, swords)
- Trigger/Content Warnings: plague (based off of the Black Death), loss of many loved ones, medical experimentation, near drowning of an infant
EMOTIONALLY BEAUTIFUL.
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LOVED THIS BOOK SO DANG MUCH Y’ALL.
This was filled with so much!!
I love the strong bonds of sisterhood. Marin and her sister, Sadie were partners in life and everything else. I adored both of them with all of my heart and their family dynamic hit home in many ways. I’m going to start crying just trying to type this review out.
The romance was incredibly tender. It was somehow quick-moving but perfectly paced. I was all in from the moment Lucas sat beside Marin on the plane. It was incredibly romantic and had me swooning and cheering them on. It was everything I love to see in an passionate island getaway.
The setting had me wanting to brave my own fear of flying and get on a plane ASAP. It was enchanting and the locals were fantastic. I love that Marin got to meet many new people and really explore for the first time in her life.
Marin had incredible growth. She stretched and found a whole new world to stand in. Marin chose herself [finally] first and it allowed her to be able to see where she wanted to go next and with who.
Many times I was brought close to tears and the pure raw emotion emanating from the pages. This story will break you completely down and still be able to hand out hope in the end. I love how this combined life and love together to create one magnificent read. I couldn’t put this down and I loved every second of it (even if I wanted to cry half the time).
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary romance
- Language: a little
- Romance: kisses to closed door
- Trigger/Content Warnings: a dicey plane ride, a loved one with terminal illness, loss of a parent
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LOVED THIS BOOK SO DANG MUCH Y’ALL.
This was filled with so much!!
I love the strong bonds of sisterhood. Marin and her sister, Sadie were partners in life and everything else. I adored both of them with all of my heart and their family dynamic hit home in many ways. I’m going to start crying just trying to type this review out.
The romance was incredibly tender. It was somehow quick-moving but perfectly paced. I was all in from the moment Lucas sat beside Marin on the plane. It was incredibly romantic and had me swooning and cheering them on. It was everything I love to see in an passionate island getaway.
The setting had me wanting to brave my own fear of flying and get on a plane ASAP. It was enchanting and the locals were fantastic. I love that Marin got to meet many new people and really explore for the first time in her life.
Marin had incredible growth. She stretched and found a whole new world to stand in. Marin chose herself [finally] first and it allowed her to be able to see where she wanted to go next and with who.
Many times I was brought close to tears and the pure raw emotion emanating from the pages. This story will break you completely down and still be able to hand out hope in the end. I love how this combined life and love together to create one magnificent read. I couldn’t put this down and I loved every second of it (even if I wanted to cry half the time).
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary romance
- Language: a little
- Romance: kisses to closed door
- Trigger/Content Warnings: a dicey plane ride, a loved one with terminal illness, loss of a parent
IT WAS OKAY.
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This didn’t really do anything for me. I struggle with holiday reads having a balance between steamy and hallmark. Why can’t I have something in the middle, ya know? This felt like it was trying to push more steam than the actual romance itself and left a lot to be desired for me.
There was too much focus on very random details of Willa’s day to day. Really small details that I was tired of reading about. I didn’t need to know such breakdowns that caused me to start skimming faster and faster to get to actual dialogue and momentum. Steam was thrown in without much lead-up and that felt off/random to me. I wasn’t connected to either of them by the time things started happening.
Christmas/Holiday-wise, this is alive and well in that department. I do love a small town romance and this provided well in that regard. I loved the names for the town’s hotels and all the fun things that were part of the spirit there.
I wish this was a better balance of the two sides. Oh well, another holiday romance that leaves me wanting.
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Holiday Romance
- Language: some strong
- Romance: multiple open door scenes
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of a loved one
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This didn’t really do anything for me. I struggle with holiday reads having a balance between steamy and hallmark. Why can’t I have something in the middle, ya know? This felt like it was trying to push more steam than the actual romance itself and left a lot to be desired for me.
There was too much focus on very random details of Willa’s day to day. Really small details that I was tired of reading about. I didn’t need to know such breakdowns that caused me to start skimming faster and faster to get to actual dialogue and momentum. Steam was thrown in without much lead-up and that felt off/random to me. I wasn’t connected to either of them by the time things started happening.
Christmas/Holiday-wise, this is alive and well in that department. I do love a small town romance and this provided well in that regard. I loved the names for the town’s hotels and all the fun things that were part of the spirit there.
I wish this was a better balance of the two sides. Oh well, another holiday romance that leaves me wanting.
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Holiday Romance
- Language: some strong
- Romance: multiple open door scenes
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of a loved one
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an eARC.
WITTY & SMILE INDUCING.
I really enjoy Lynn Painter’s books. I love the pacing and how when I look down at how far I’ve read I’m shocked at the rate the pages flew by. Better Than the Movies is still my all-time fav, Mr. Wrong Number was good, but left me wanting in some areas.
Olivia was relatable and ridiculous all in the same breath. I laughed at some of her antics, yet just like Colin, I saw the deeper layers of her personality too. She brought in comedic relief and I smiled many times throughout my read. I ADORED Colin. I’m realizing I love a good brother’s best friend trope. This delivered in that department. Plenty of angst, amazing banter, and heartfelt confessions.
Some of what I struggled with were the other tropes: friends with benefits/this is just a fling kinda vibe. I’ve never loved those plot choices and this was no different. I wish there was a bit more of true relationship dynamic before they jumped between the sheets. If you like a faster burn, this one’s for you! Once we got some feelings established, I was really attached to these two.
There were two miscommunications as the primary romance conflicts. And *sigh* this was not my jam. I understand Olivia’s reaction, but wish she had taken a moment to be upset, and then another moment to go, maybe I should actually let him explain first. It caused unnecessary fights and drama. Don’t get me wrong, the bit of groveling and grand gestures near the end were sweet, there just should’ve been a different angle.
An enjoyable read for me even through the thick of things I didn’t love. I adore Painter’s writing style with dual POV and the humorous quality she adds. I love grinning at my book and swooning over a love interest with dreamy eyes (and a Ryan Gosling look-a-like). I’m excited to read the next story in this world!!
Overall Audience Notes:
- Contemporary Romance
- Language: a lot, strong
- Romance: multiple brief open door scenes
- Trigger/Content Warnings: catfishing
TEAM RAVI AND PIP FOREVER.
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What a wild finale. INTENSE. ACTION-PACKED. Actually gave me heart palpitations because I didn’t know what was going to happen next. Couldn’t put this down whatsoever. It pulls you in and keeps you close and Pip races to save her life.
I liked the serial killer angle here and how they fit into the entire series. It was a loose string that needed tying up. The plot felt connected to everything else and pushed the narrative further. By the halfway point I didn’t know what the second half was going to lay out. And WOW did things go in many directions I did not see coming.
I looooove Ravi and Pip. I feel the teamwork, the love, the absolute connection. I know there relationship is only a small piece, but it’s such an important one. Pip has many people in her life who love and look after her and I really liked having that as part of the story.
I was a tiny bit flustered with a piece of the ending. I didn’t think it was necessary??? Then made the last few pages feel like a too quick wrap up. There’s also some true, have to suspend reality, moments to work with the plot. Which is fine, I just noticed that things could have easily gone a different way too so it was a bit of a shrug my shoulder moment.
Anyways, I’d recommend this up and down for anyone looking for a thriller. This series was fantastic!!
Overall audience notes:
- YA Thriller
- Language: some strong
- Romance: kisses
- Trigger/Content Warnings: kidnapping, attempted murder, murder, false imprisonment, rape mentioned, drugging, blood depiction, stalking, animal death
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What a wild finale. INTENSE. ACTION-PACKED. Actually gave me heart palpitations because I didn’t know what was going to happen next. Couldn’t put this down whatsoever. It pulls you in and keeps you close and Pip races to save her life.
I liked the serial killer angle here and how they fit into the entire series. It was a loose string that needed tying up. The plot felt connected to everything else and pushed the narrative further. By the halfway point I didn’t know what the second half was going to lay out. And WOW did things go in many directions I did not see coming.
I looooove Ravi and Pip. I feel the teamwork, the love, the absolute connection. I know there relationship is only a small piece, but it’s such an important one. Pip has many people in her life who love and look after her and I really liked having that as part of the story.
I was a tiny bit flustered with a piece of the ending. I didn’t think it was necessary??? Then made the last few pages feel like a too quick wrap up. There’s also some true, have to suspend reality, moments to work with the plot. Which is fine, I just noticed that things could have easily gone a different way too so it was a bit of a shrug my shoulder moment.
Anyways, I’d recommend this up and down for anyone looking for a thriller. This series was fantastic!!
Overall audience notes:
- YA Thriller
- Language: some strong
- Romance: kisses
- Trigger/Content Warnings: kidnapping, attempted murder, murder, false imprisonment, rape mentioned, drugging, blood depiction, stalking, animal death
4.5 stars
READ IN A DAY.
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That’s how great this book was. I couldn’t put it down. I found reasons to keep listening to my audio copy because I had to know what would happen next.
This was absolutely hilarious. I haven’t laughed this much while reading in awhile. It was fantastic. I adored all of the Aunties and the hijinks they got up too. I loved the main character, Meddy. I wanted to be her friend and her inner monologue was spot on. This group of women were wonderful. All of the family dynamics with great support and hilarity. I just loved everyone so much.
The romance was cute! I didn’t like how it initially started (with a forced miscommunication) but otherwise the reconnection had me swooning. Nathan was a sweet dreamboat who wasn’t letting Meddy walk away again.
Following the larger plot was engaging and I thought everything wove together well. I liked the setting and how the romance worked out for the side characters too. There’s just a lot here to love and I will definitely be passing this around as a new highly recommend read.
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary romance + Murder mystery
- Language: a little
- Romance: one brief open
- Trigger/Content Warnings: accidental homicide, attempted sexual assault, racism, sexism, recreational drug use, nonconsensual drugging, on page car accident, catfishing
READ IN A DAY.
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That’s how great this book was. I couldn’t put it down. I found reasons to keep listening to my audio copy because I had to know what would happen next.
This was absolutely hilarious. I haven’t laughed this much while reading in awhile. It was fantastic. I adored all of the Aunties and the hijinks they got up too. I loved the main character, Meddy. I wanted to be her friend and her inner monologue was spot on. This group of women were wonderful. All of the family dynamics with great support and hilarity. I just loved everyone so much.
The romance was cute! I didn’t like how it initially started (with a forced miscommunication) but otherwise the reconnection had me swooning. Nathan was a sweet dreamboat who wasn’t letting Meddy walk away again.
Following the larger plot was engaging and I thought everything wove together well. I liked the setting and how the romance worked out for the side characters too. There’s just a lot here to love and I will definitely be passing this around as a new highly recommend read.
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary romance + Murder mystery
- Language: a little
- Romance: one brief open
- Trigger/Content Warnings: accidental homicide, attempted sexual assault, racism, sexism, recreational drug use, nonconsensual drugging, on page car accident, catfishing
NERDY AND ADORABLE.
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This was such a cute YA read. On the lighter side with a fun twist on the classic fairy godmother play. I really enjoyed this one and yay for Bookstagram putting it on my radar!
One of the little things I loved was how often Charity changed the color of her hair and how I desperately wish I could do the same. I love how quick she was to help others and was truly a nice person. Her flaws were there, but so was her growth and acknowledgement that maybe things could go a different way.
Charity’s relationship with Noah was ADORABLE. Totes adorbs. A bit of enemies to lovers, lots of Star Trek discussions and more. They had instant chemistry and I thought the banter was fantastic. Noah was incredibly sweet and I really fell in love with these two.
I didn’t find the conflicts and teenage drama frustrating. It worked well into the story and I had a hard time putting this down. A great read, loved it.
Overall audience notes:
- YA Contemporary romance
- Language: little
- Romance: kisses
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This was such a cute YA read. On the lighter side with a fun twist on the classic fairy godmother play. I really enjoyed this one and yay for Bookstagram putting it on my radar!
One of the little things I loved was how often Charity changed the color of her hair and how I desperately wish I could do the same. I love how quick she was to help others and was truly a nice person. Her flaws were there, but so was her growth and acknowledgement that maybe things could go a different way.
Charity’s relationship with Noah was ADORABLE. Totes adorbs. A bit of enemies to lovers, lots of Star Trek discussions and more. They had instant chemistry and I thought the banter was fantastic. Noah was incredibly sweet and I really fell in love with these two.
I didn’t find the conflicts and teenage drama frustrating. It worked well into the story and I had a hard time putting this down. A great read, loved it.
Overall audience notes:
- YA Contemporary romance
- Language: little
- Romance: kisses