WELL THAT WAS A RIDE.

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This book wasn’t on my radar whatsoever until my Dad mentioned it to me, and told me, “it has plenty of romance.” Famous last words.

NOW. I wouldn’t call this a romance, at all (there is a sub plot dynamic that does play into the larger theme). I did like the dynamic though and was intrigued by where the story would go.

This book gave me Red 2 vibes. But add in flashback chapters and focus on mostly one character. I did love that this had multi-POV and felt that all of the POV’s played a part and made sense for the story. The audiobook was great too, definitely recommend that format.

The twists and turns of the second half were fantastic. I usually don’t love thrillers because it often comes across as, a lot of bad people doing bad things. I loved that this did have some good guys who were trying to do the right thing. Even with complications and mistakes, I loved having someone to root for.

Not disappointed at all in reading this spy book. I will be interested to see what the next book in the series will be about!

Overall audience notes:
- Spy Thriller
- Language: moderate
- Romance: fade to black
- Violence: high
- Content Warnings: murder, loss of life, gun violence, kidnapping a child, teen drug use 

Thank you to the author for an eARC.

OH SO SWEET.

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This was a short book that packed such a sweet punch. I loved Hannah and James’ love story!! It had a Pride and Prejudice vibe that I was smitten with and I loved seeing James grow over the book and he realized how blinded he’d been holding too much control in his life. James letting himself loosen was EVERYTHING. He’s easily one of my favorites.

I adored Hannah and how strong she felt in her convictions. I loved that she didn’t settle and waited for that love match she wanted. It was wonderful seeing a more shy character too and how that played into the plot. There’s a lot of cute animals and allllll the family member sightings you could want. Another fantastic read from Mimi Matthews!

Overall audience notes:
- Regency Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: low
- Content Warnings: physical altercation 

Full review to come!

Thank you to the author for an ARC!

MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE.

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Oh my gosh, this is easily my favorite book of the series (and I loved them all so this is really saying something). I have been chomping at the bit to get Jess’s story and it delivered IN ALL THE WAYS. And I really loved the new adult direction of this one too.

I am obsessed with Kevin. He is *THE* golden retriever. I could not get enough of his energy and goodness. It beautifully contrasted with Jess. The grump and sunshine was executed to perfection. There dynamic and chemistry, off the charts. I loved the slow burn tension. Waiting for the moment they finally came together.

And I adore this whole town. I love the intensely loyal friendships and getting to see Scoops one last time. I loved the themes, of knowing that love is out there, not settling, and reconnecting with family members. This is easily one of the best romances I have read this year.

Overall audience notes:
- NA Contemporary Romance
- Language: low – moderate
- Romance: fade to black 

TRUE E2L.

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One of the hardest tropes I have a hard time finding written well in contemporary romances is enemies to lovers. And this had it. I loved how Winnie and Matthew battle. It was heated and you could already feel the romantic tension between them. What’s even better is I loooved the character arcs for both leads too. The realization that both had been in the wrong and how they worked to apologize and show through their actions that they had been wrong initially.

The festival was a fun additive and I loved seeing all of those aspects too. The English countryside was so charming. I liked the adventures they went on and the little angst filled moments inbetween.

I do think this felt a little long (420 pages for a contemporary is a feat). But that was my only issue. Bless the day when Winnie stood up to her Dad and told him all of the things he had been feeling. I felt as triumphant as her when that moment happened.

This is a sweet book and I will without a doubt be reading the next one!!

Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses 

Thank you Simon Audio for the gifted audiobook!

AHHHHHHH.

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I am here for the vibes on this book y’all. The vibes are VIBING AND I LOVE IT. This is how enemies to lovers romances are supposed to feel. This banter and tension and the gosh dang it we’re supposed to hate each other BUT WE CAN’T. I will be brought to my knees by this romance and will go gladly.

The specific plot for this book wasn’t as strong as the first (like I said, five stars for vibes). It was mostly Paedyn and Kai playing cat and mouse. There were some delectable romantic moments though and I am all for those. And while the audiobook is incredible (highly recommend), I wish I was reading the physical copy purely to tab all of the quotes that sunk me.

I also loved having Kitt’s POV too. It was this delicate and dark balance of watching him trying to figure out the kingdom and his own mind. I can’t wait to see how that comes together in the last book.

An easy to devour second book that [to me] didn’t suffer the dreaded sequel issues. GIVE ME FEARLESS.

Overall audience notes:
- YA Fantasy Romance
- Language: low
- Romance: make-outs
- Violence: moderate 

Full review to come!

Thank you to the author for a gifted copy.

ENJOYABLE.

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I liked this one y’all. It was a spontaneous request based off a friend’s review and I’m happy I read it and can’t wait for book two.

One of my favorite aspects was the general theme of the book. Of finding your worth and overcoming that self doubt and negative thought pattern that can get all of us. Isabel went through this slow journey of self discovery and ownership and I loved where she ended up and look forward to seeing that even more in the next installment.

I think I was hoping for a little more forced proximity in the romance, it took a bit to grow on me. I liked the snippets I got and think there really is a connection between Isabel and Erik. I loved that they took the time to get to know each other and see past what the world had portrayed them as.

There’s some intriguing politics, a good magic system and world building that was easy to follow. I liked the betrayals and twists and think this would be a great read for my low spice fans!

Overall audience notes:
- Fantasy Romance
- Language: low
- Romance: fade to black
- Violence: high
- Content Warnings: discussion of parental abandonment and parental infidelity, murder, loss of life, self harm ideation (non-suicidal), and on page self harm 

JUST WHAT I NEEDED.

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I haven’t been getting along with contemporary romances lately and this was the gem I needed to remind me of the goodness they can bring. I loved this book so much!! It was full of heart and doing the hard things and breaking off what isn’t working anymore to find what could be.

The romance had me absolutely smitten. This is how you craft a summer romance. I loved Ethan, he was such a sweetheart and was so KIND. Gosh it was soul melting. And I loved seeing Ali grow and expand and realize how confined she had been for too long. I loved the motherhood aspects as well as the acknowledgement of what she needed as a person to be the best Ali.

There were so many lovely moments throughout. It’s a fast read and an amazing one. I think this is my new favorite from Monaghan. It is a must for summer TBRs!!

Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance
- Language: low-moderate
- Romance: fade to black
- Content Warnings: loss of loved ones, depictions of grief, FMC is going through a divorce