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BETTER THAN EXPECTED.
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I honestly didn’t know what to think about a book that takes place in roughly 36-48 hours. That’s short, ya know? But I looooved the way this was developed and how it all unfolded.
I adored Rowan and Neil. They are a classic high school rivals to lovers and the forced proximity of the last day of school helped them realize all of those connections. I think some of the drama was a bit dragged out and I could have done with a little less of that in the end.
There’s a lot of great discussions throughout on multiple important topics. And mixed in with a really neat scavenger hunt idea this was a hard book to put down. I enjoyed the audio version and had no issues with the narrator. This is fast paced, coming of age, taking those steps into adulthood kind of YA read. Add a dash of a sweet romance and it’s a good book.
Overall audience notes:
- YA Contemporary Romance
- Language: some strong
- Romance: brief open door
- Trigger/Content Warnings: anti-semitism, misogyny, domestic abuse mentioned, car accident mentioned, bullying
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I honestly didn’t know what to think about a book that takes place in roughly 36-48 hours. That’s short, ya know? But I looooved the way this was developed and how it all unfolded.
I adored Rowan and Neil. They are a classic high school rivals to lovers and the forced proximity of the last day of school helped them realize all of those connections. I think some of the drama was a bit dragged out and I could have done with a little less of that in the end.
There’s a lot of great discussions throughout on multiple important topics. And mixed in with a really neat scavenger hunt idea this was a hard book to put down. I enjoyed the audio version and had no issues with the narrator. This is fast paced, coming of age, taking those steps into adulthood kind of YA read. Add a dash of a sweet romance and it’s a good book.
Overall audience notes:
- YA Contemporary Romance
- Language: some strong
- Romance: brief open door
- Trigger/Content Warnings: anti-semitism, misogyny, domestic abuse mentioned, car accident mentioned, bullying
Reread September 2023: THE PREPARATION FOR HOUSE OF FLAME AND SHADOW HAS COMMENCED.
Reread December 2022: I listened to the graphic audio version this time and I kind of loved it. It's a bit much with the cinematic music in the background sometimes, but I loved how well the actor's portrayed the characters! Also, Tamlin still sucks.
Reread December 2021: I enjoyed rereading this one again!! It's been awhile and I love all of the nuanced things that take place across the series.
Also, I don't have a full review for ACOTAR?! Oh pre-review days.
Reread December 2022: I listened to the graphic audio version this time and I kind of loved it. It's a bit much with the cinematic music in the background sometimes, but I loved how well the actor's portrayed the characters! Also, Tamlin still sucks.
Reread December 2021: I enjoyed rereading this one again!! It's been awhile and I love all of the nuanced things that take place across the series.
Also, I don't have a full review for ACOTAR?! Oh pre-review days.
4.5 stars
THAT ENDING THOUGH.
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This series has been so good so far. Exactly what I needed. New adult urban fantasy with all the faes I could want. These books are hard to put down.
Jesse is still the same character as before. I thought she grew even more here with all of the things thrown at her this round. She’s gotta be one of my new fav heroines. I love her inner dialogue and witty banter. How passionate she is about caring for her family and taking care of business.
I neeeeed more Lukas though. That’s my only minor complaint. I want more of this fae prince and I want it now. The romance could be built up a little bit more. Things amped up a bit between the two but I wholly expect that to change in the last book (hopefully).
I liked the narrative here and where the story went. The plot flows pretty seamlessly through bounty catches, espionage and recoveries. The ending definitely dropped some huge information and I must know how that plays out in the next book.
Overall audience notes:
- NA Urban Fantasy
- Language: very little
- Romance: make-outs
- Violence: kidnapping, murder, physical and magical altercations, blood depiction
THAT ENDING THOUGH.
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This series has been so good so far. Exactly what I needed. New adult urban fantasy with all the faes I could want. These books are hard to put down.
Jesse is still the same character as before. I thought she grew even more here with all of the things thrown at her this round. She’s gotta be one of my new fav heroines. I love her inner dialogue and witty banter. How passionate she is about caring for her family and taking care of business.
I neeeeed more Lukas though. That’s my only minor complaint. I want more of this fae prince and I want it now. The romance could be built up a little bit more. Things amped up a bit between the two but I wholly expect that to change in the last book (hopefully).
I liked the narrative here and where the story went. The plot flows pretty seamlessly through bounty catches, espionage and recoveries. The ending definitely dropped some huge information and I must know how that plays out in the next book.
Overall audience notes:
- NA Urban Fantasy
- Language: very little
- Romance: make-outs
- Violence: kidnapping, murder, physical and magical altercations, blood depiction
HERE FOR THIS.
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What a great start to a series. I’m glad I picked this one up, and enjoyed it as an audio version too!
I’ve heard this had some World War vibes and I can definitely see that. It was really interesting to match that up with a fantasy world (but with no magic). My only issue was that the world was a bit confusing. I had a hard time remembering which nation was which and who was mad at who. By the end that was mostly cleared up, but I’m hopeful that book two expounds further.
I also want to mention that I’ve seen some comparison to The Winner’s Curse (which is one of my favorite series FORRRREVERRRRR) and I can see some semblance. Competing nations, forbidden romance, a princess. So yes, if you enjoye that series, I’d give this one a try.
Smitten with the romance. I was worried there would be some insta-love based off of how the plot was rolling, BUT ALAS, there was not. Just some genuine attraction and burgeoning feelings. I love that Aurelia and Athan wrote letters to each other. It made the fact that they were in different locations not seem as big of an issue since I still got those connections over the letters.
I’m genuinely thrilled to see where this goes. There’s a lot here. Plenty of things to still happen. I love the action and pacing of this first book.
Overall audience notes:
- YA Fantasy romance
- Language: some
- Romance: kiss
- Violence: airplane battles (and crashes), physical altercations, gun violence
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of a parent, depictions of wartime
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What a great start to a series. I’m glad I picked this one up, and enjoyed it as an audio version too!
I’ve heard this had some World War vibes and I can definitely see that. It was really interesting to match that up with a fantasy world (but with no magic). My only issue was that the world was a bit confusing. I had a hard time remembering which nation was which and who was mad at who. By the end that was mostly cleared up, but I’m hopeful that book two expounds further.
I also want to mention that I’ve seen some comparison to The Winner’s Curse (which is one of my favorite series FORRRREVERRRRR) and I can see some semblance. Competing nations, forbidden romance, a princess. So yes, if you enjoye that series, I’d give this one a try.
Smitten with the romance. I was worried there would be some insta-love based off of how the plot was rolling, BUT ALAS, there was not. Just some genuine attraction and burgeoning feelings. I love that Aurelia and Athan wrote letters to each other. It made the fact that they were in different locations not seem as big of an issue since I still got those connections over the letters.
I’m genuinely thrilled to see where this goes. There’s a lot here. Plenty of things to still happen. I love the action and pacing of this first book.
Overall audience notes:
- YA Fantasy romance
- Language: some
- Romance: kiss
- Violence: airplane battles (and crashes), physical altercations, gun violence
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of a parent, depictions of wartime
INTENSE.
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This book is fast paced and rarely lets up. That first chapter already put me on my toes and I read this incredibly fast because HOW COULD I NOT FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENS.
The first half of the book wasn’t my favorite. It felt like the whole focus was just about Kit and Jessa sleeping together. How often could they find time alone together kinda thing. When other aspects of their whirlwind romance were brought up they were SO SWEET. I was smitten with the loving way Kit treated Jessa and how tight their bond was childhood (brother’s best friend trope!!).
I loved the second half. It was devastating and raw. I felt emotionally gut punched and had to know that a positive ending was imminent (thank goodness it was). Many bittersweet moments. I appreciated that things seemed true to life and I could completely understand both main characters actions and decisions as grief consumed them. A touching read that I’d definitely recommend!
Overall audience notes:
- NA Contemporary Romance
- Language: some strong
- Romance: multiple open door
- Trigger/Content Warnings: PTSD (from war), a potentially abusive parent (hinted at, but not seen on page), loss of a loved one, depictions of grief/depression/survivor guilt
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This book is fast paced and rarely lets up. That first chapter already put me on my toes and I read this incredibly fast because HOW COULD I NOT FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENS.
The first half of the book wasn’t my favorite. It felt like the whole focus was just about Kit and Jessa sleeping together. How often could they find time alone together kinda thing. When other aspects of their whirlwind romance were brought up they were SO SWEET. I was smitten with the loving way Kit treated Jessa and how tight their bond was childhood (brother’s best friend trope!!).
I loved the second half. It was devastating and raw. I felt emotionally gut punched and had to know that a positive ending was imminent (thank goodness it was). Many bittersweet moments. I appreciated that things seemed true to life and I could completely understand both main characters actions and decisions as grief consumed them. A touching read that I’d definitely recommend!
Overall audience notes:
- NA Contemporary Romance
- Language: some strong
- Romance: multiple open door
- Trigger/Content Warnings: PTSD (from war), a potentially abusive parent (hinted at, but not seen on page), loss of a loved one, depictions of grief/depression/survivor guilt
Reread December 2021: still the best full length contemporary holiday romance I've read. So happy I picked it up again!
YAAAAAS TO THIS CHRISTMAS CONTEMPORARY.
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Kindle unlimited, indie author, bookstagram recommendation FOR. THE. WIN.
No really. A grumpy guy, a effervescent woman, and Christmas? Hit this one out of the ballpark.
I love enemies to lovers and books like this remind me why. I love the juxtaposition between the two of them. The banter was fantastic and didn’t over step that line of actually being mean to each other. I was laughing to myself over some of the scenes in there because they were too humorous not too. This office romance (with a fake girlfriend component) was PRECIOUS.
Asher was such a charming Grinch. Can’t even handle him. He could throw out the sarcasm and grumpiness then turn around and be considerate and kind. I love seeing those layers peel away slowly as he opened up to Olivia.
Olivia had me laughing at her antics and I feel spiritually seen with how much she loves treats. Her extrovert, people pleasing personality that screamed Christmas was fantastic. She went on her own emotional journey [because of some awful people] that shed lighter on tough subject matter. Olivia was a strong heroine that I immensely enjoyed reading about.
This book was romantic and sweet. Full of emotions and tough moments. Love and charismatic characters. All the things. I can’t wait to read more of Shepherd’s books because this was exactly what I was looking for when I tried to find a contemporary Christmas romance.
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary romance [Christmas theme]
- Language: some strong
- Romance: kisses, make-outs, one little detailed almost scene, and another little detailed fade out scene
- Trigger warnings: sexual assault to the MC and mentions and discussions on the man’s behavior with others
YAAAAAS TO THIS CHRISTMAS CONTEMPORARY.
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Kindle unlimited, indie author, bookstagram recommendation FOR. THE. WIN.
No really. A grumpy guy, a effervescent woman, and Christmas? Hit this one out of the ballpark.
I love enemies to lovers and books like this remind me why. I love the juxtaposition between the two of them. The banter was fantastic and didn’t over step that line of actually being mean to each other. I was laughing to myself over some of the scenes in there because they were too humorous not too. This office romance (with a fake girlfriend component) was PRECIOUS.
Asher was such a charming Grinch. Can’t even handle him. He could throw out the sarcasm and grumpiness then turn around and be considerate and kind. I love seeing those layers peel away slowly as he opened up to Olivia.
Olivia had me laughing at her antics and I feel spiritually seen with how much she loves treats. Her extrovert, people pleasing personality that screamed Christmas was fantastic. She went on her own emotional journey [because of some awful people] that shed lighter on tough subject matter. Olivia was a strong heroine that I immensely enjoyed reading about.
This book was romantic and sweet. Full of emotions and tough moments. Love and charismatic characters. All the things. I can’t wait to read more of Shepherd’s books because this was exactly what I was looking for when I tried to find a contemporary Christmas romance.
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary romance [Christmas theme]
- Language: some strong
- Romance: kisses, make-outs, one little detailed almost scene, and another little detailed fade out scene
- Trigger warnings: sexual assault to the MC and mentions and discussions on the man’s behavior with others
A NEW FAVORITE GEM.
I don’t know why I DNF this book the first time I picked it up, because it was AMAZING. OH MY GOODNESS. Maybe the audio really brought it to life to me, I just know everyone else needs to read this too.
Izumi was one of the best YA main characters I’ve ever read. I adored her positive outlook and her pure nature. She was kind to everyone around her and not afraid to apologize, learn, and do better. Izumi was passionate about learning her Japanese heritage and I liked the conversations about being Asian-American in the US and balancing cultures as she lived in Japan.
Talk about an absolutely PRECIOUS romance between the princess and bodyguard!! It was everything. I loved all of the tiny moments they got together, that ending had me absolutely swooning and I just couldn’t get enough.
Also, Izumi’s Dad was amazing??? I had big fears he was going to be closed-off, upset, whatever it may be after finding out about having a daughter. BUT NO, HE WAS SO WONDERFUL. I loved the way he loved Izumi and how they both worked through getting to know one another and all that entails as a parent/child relationship.
I could truly keep going. I have nothing but good things to say about this absolute gem and will be talking it up for awhile.
Overall audience notes:
- YA Contemporary + Romance
- Language: very little
- Romance: kisses
- Trigger/Content Warnings: bullying, racism, stereotyping
NO.
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Yeah, I should have DNFed this. I acknowledge that choice. I kept thinking there’d be a turnaround. There was not.
First mistake, the instant, first chapter, all consuming, I’m in love with this person. I know this can be accomplished well, but here, there was absolutely NO ANGST. None. I wanted to feel something for these two, but being thrown into love within the first chapter annoyed me. I knew nothing about anyone before the entire plot was laid out. You knew exactly where things were going. I could have told you the plot (including “twists”) without reading more than the first chapter.
The initial issues ramped up the pronounced drama throughout. There’s some good moments in here about a few things, but that was the small good I found.
I didn’t like how some of the characters were portrayed either. A lot of it bugged me.
I think I’ll stop here. It’s enough.
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary romance
- Language: strong
- Romance: kisses to closed door
- Trigger/Content Warnings: discussion of infertility and a past miscarriage, growing up in foster care, a parent with a drug addiction, losing a spouse to cancer, losing a spouse to an accident, divorce
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Yeah, I should have DNFed this. I acknowledge that choice. I kept thinking there’d be a turnaround. There was not.
First mistake, the instant, first chapter, all consuming, I’m in love with this person. I know this can be accomplished well, but here, there was absolutely NO ANGST. None. I wanted to feel something for these two, but being thrown into love within the first chapter annoyed me. I knew nothing about anyone before the entire plot was laid out. You knew exactly where things were going. I could have told you the plot (including “twists”) without reading more than the first chapter.
The initial issues ramped up the pronounced drama throughout. There’s some good moments in here about a few things, but that was the small good I found.
I didn’t like how some of the characters were portrayed either. A lot of it bugged me.
I think I’ll stop here. It’s enough.
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary romance
- Language: strong
- Romance: kisses to closed door
- Trigger/Content Warnings: discussion of infertility and a past miscarriage, growing up in foster care, a parent with a drug addiction, losing a spouse to cancer, losing a spouse to an accident, divorce
medium-paced
Reread May 2023: BRING ON THE ENDLESS WAR. (also, can't believe how many times book four's title was put into this book and it never clicked 😂)
Reread June 2022: A slow reread and tabbing fest ensued. I still love it just as much.
THIS WAS EVERYTHING.
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I know my review won’t fully encapsulate how much I loved, LOVED this forbidden fantasy romance. I’ll just say it again, READ THE BRIDGE KINGDOM SERIES.
Keris is my new man. Holy wow did I love him (and who would think I’d love a blonde man? lololol). I loved his tenacity and absolute unbending will to do anything he needed to in order to protect Zarrah. But never fear, Zarrah is an amazing heroine in her own right who takes down the forces around her with some killer moves. I LOVE THESE TWO. TIH was about double the length of TBK/TTQ which means we got a whooooole lot more. I love that there was more depth, more nuances, further understanding of choices and the world. IT’S ALL HERE.
I would completely forget that this actually covers the entire TTQ timeline. I was wrapped up in what felt like a new story. I love that it all was fresh and even when there were some moments of cross over I was over the top anxious wondering what was going to happen next.
AND THE VILLAINS. There’s top notch ones running around this story. Another was added that made me want to throw them across a room. THE BETRAYAL. THE ENDING. MY HEART HURTS. I thought I was emotionally prepared, but alas, DLJ knows how to rip my heart out and beg for the next book.
Needless to say, YOU MUST READ THIS.
Overall audience notes:
- NA Fantasy Romance
- Language: some strong
- Romance: multiple open door
- Violence: murder, torture, executions, physical altercations, weaponry, many near death experiences
Reread June 2022: A slow reread and tabbing fest ensued. I still love it just as much.
THIS WAS EVERYTHING.
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I know my review won’t fully encapsulate how much I loved, LOVED this forbidden fantasy romance. I’ll just say it again, READ THE BRIDGE KINGDOM SERIES.
Keris is my new man. Holy wow did I love him (and who would think I’d love a blonde man? lololol). I loved his tenacity and absolute unbending will to do anything he needed to in order to protect Zarrah. But never fear, Zarrah is an amazing heroine in her own right who takes down the forces around her with some killer moves. I LOVE THESE TWO. TIH was about double the length of TBK/TTQ which means we got a whooooole lot more. I love that there was more depth, more nuances, further understanding of choices and the world. IT’S ALL HERE.
I would completely forget that this actually covers the entire TTQ timeline. I was wrapped up in what felt like a new story. I love that it all was fresh and even when there were some moments of cross over I was over the top anxious wondering what was going to happen next.
AND THE VILLAINS. There’s top notch ones running around this story. Another was added that made me want to throw them across a room. THE BETRAYAL. THE ENDING. MY HEART HURTS. I thought I was emotionally prepared, but alas, DLJ knows how to rip my heart out and beg for the next book.
Needless to say, YOU MUST READ THIS.
Overall audience notes:
- NA Fantasy Romance
- Language: some strong
- Romance: multiple open door
- Violence: murder, torture, executions, physical altercations, weaponry, many near death experiences
I LOVED THIS SO MUCH.
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New favorite alert.
New must read alert.
THIS IS THAT BOOK.
THE FASTEST WAY TO FALL is going to be a top contender for my favorite romance of the year. I LOVED IT. As someone who’s had a rocky path with safe diet/exercise practices and learning to love the body I’m in, this book meant so much to me. I love the way topics were approached and the validating sense of feeling good about the way you’re taking care of yourself rather than the numbers on a scale.
Wes had me swooning in a puddle wit how supportive he was. He was this steady presence and his conversations with Britta left me begging for more. The wedding scene?? The race scene?? IF YOU KNOW YOU KNOW because hot dang it was amazing. Book boyfriend alert.
Britta was an amazing, honest, strong heroine. Once of favorites of recent memory. I adored her with all of my heart. I felt seen by her. I felt her hope and her wants. Britta’s story was all encompassing and emotional. I would love to be her friend. Put Britta and Wes together and there chemistry was off the chart from the beginning. I love the email/texting component and how they finally met (taking care of someone who’s sick trope alert!!!).
This book sang to my soul and I highly recommend it be on you pick up.
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary romance
- Language: some strong
- Romance: 1-3 open door scenes
- Trigger/Content Warnings: eating disorder mentioned, a parent with alcohol and drug abuse
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New favorite alert.
New must read alert.
THIS IS THAT BOOK.
THE FASTEST WAY TO FALL is going to be a top contender for my favorite romance of the year. I LOVED IT. As someone who’s had a rocky path with safe diet/exercise practices and learning to love the body I’m in, this book meant so much to me. I love the way topics were approached and the validating sense of feeling good about the way you’re taking care of yourself rather than the numbers on a scale.
Wes had me swooning in a puddle wit how supportive he was. He was this steady presence and his conversations with Britta left me begging for more. The wedding scene?? The race scene?? IF YOU KNOW YOU KNOW because hot dang it was amazing. Book boyfriend alert.
Britta was an amazing, honest, strong heroine. Once of favorites of recent memory. I adored her with all of my heart. I felt seen by her. I felt her hope and her wants. Britta’s story was all encompassing and emotional. I would love to be her friend. Put Britta and Wes together and there chemistry was off the chart from the beginning. I love the email/texting component and how they finally met (taking care of someone who’s sick trope alert!!!).
This book sang to my soul and I highly recommend it be on you pick up.
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary romance
- Language: some strong
- Romance: 1-3 open door scenes
- Trigger/Content Warnings: eating disorder mentioned, a parent with alcohol and drug abuse