Full review to come!

Thank you Harper Teen for the eARC.

LOVE ME A CLIFFHANGER.

BLOG || INSTAGRAM

There’s something about a well executed cliffhanger that makes me all the more excited for book two. I think this delivered in that aspect. I saw one twist coming from the beginning (you will too), but the other one was this slow reveal that had me GOING. I can’t wait for the fallout.

I really enjoyed this spin off that follows Jas (and a new character). The romances had a bit of an insta vibe to them (or were lacking in general build up), yet they grew on me. I think it can be fostered even more in book two.

What I did notice was the lack of world building. This is really leaning heavy on the assumed fact you read the previous duology (These Hollow Vows). Which, since I have, was MOSTLY fine, I did stumble a bit trying to remember some of the court and politic dynamics that were created prior.

It’s still an engaging story and I enjoyed coming back to this book each time. I loved that the characters were someone I could root for that had weaknesses and strengths. There was a lot of beautifully tough moments seeing Jasalyn work through her past and facing some of those moments head on.

Overall audience notes:
- NA Fantasy Romance
- Language: low
- Romance: one vague open door
- Violence: moderate
- Content Warnings: past torture and associated trauma, murder 

IT WAS OKAY.

BLOG || INSTAGRAM

I’ll start off by saying this wasn’t bad by any means, just a book that ended up not being for me.

I loved being back in this setting and fictional island off the coast of Florida. This is the fourth book in this series that I’ve read and the atmosphere of summer is very present in each. It makes me want to run away to the ocean ASAP.

My issue kind of stems from the tone of the writing? It felt as if the characters were younger than they were supposed to be. And something about it wasn’t clicking for me. The major romantic trope was friends to lovers, and unfortunately this had some of the issues that I don’t love about this trope (like the absolute REFUSAL that they could ever be into you).

The author thing was kind of odd too. It was built up to be this THING and then really wasn’t a thing at all.

There was some sweet swoon and I did like Tristan as the love interest. I enjoyed some key moment throughout at least.

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

Full review to come!

Bless you Ace Pub and Berkley for the gifted copy!!

YES, THIS.

BLOG || INSTAGRAM

Your girl is a big time Mulan fan. Like obsessively used to watch it growing up. But I haven’t read a lot of Mulan retellings?? Or at least not ones that i truly felt like had those markers from the movie and made it their own. I loved that this had some of those scenes but the entire plot was something new. It was a great combination of worlds colliding and I am incredibly impressed with the writing.

If I wanted anything more I would have loved a touch more romance, but I think that’s coming?? And I don’t know where it’s going??! Which is honestly kind of my favorite for fantasy series. Give me that long slow burn and make me beg for them to even touch hands. This is the tension I CRAVE.

I liked the plot and the added spirit realms. The magic system made enough sense where I didn’t feel lost and look forward to its expansion in later installments. I loved the heroine, Meilin. Her strength and perseverance. I love that she’s complicated and has weaknesses. Messy characters feel relatable and like someone you want to to root for, Meilin is one of those characters for me. I can’t wait to read what happens next!!

Overall audience notes:
- Fantasy
- Language: low
- Romance: heated make out with touching
- Violence: high
- Content Warnings: attempted sexual assault, loss of life, war themes 

Full review to come!

OH SO COZY.

BLOG || INSTAGRAM

I love a great cozy fantasy and this was definitely it. The audiobook was my favorite and I loved that format, highly recommend!

This had a lovely set-up. I liked the coastal small town, and how tight knit the entire community was. There was a cute bakery and quirky characters and I feel like this really hit the nail on the head for how cozy fantasy is supposed to feel. I liked the simple nature of the plot and how much depth we got from the characters.

The little sub-plot romance was super sweet too. It had great push and pull with just a little bit of tension. I loved how they came together and worked together to keep their town safe. This was wholesome and gosh I was very much in love with the cottage vibes. And Caz?? A sentient plant?? Stop it right now, I loved him. These are the kinds of things I love seeing in books like this. Such a gem.

Overall audience notes:
- Cozy Fantasy
- Language: low
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: low 

THIS WAS CUTE.

BLOG || INSTAGRAM

Ooooh boy do I love an anxiety rep cinnamon roll of a man. And Noah was all that and more. I loved seeing the anxiety in this book and it was well handled and well written. Gosh I feel that so deeply.

And the romance is cute! I liked the multiple opportunities for forced proximity moments and had a good with Noah being a billionaire. I think the setting is fantastic and I really love all of the summer vibes this series is bringing. There’s some wonderful growth moments for both characters and I loved the strong connection they formed together. And I always love a cute epilogue.

There’s a few small plot things that didn’t click for me but I am in no way upset I read this. I love a good sweet romance and this delivered.

Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Content Warnings: childhood bullying recounted, loss of parents (recounted), depictions of anxiety (including anxiety attacks) 

Thank you Berkley #BerkleyPartner for the #gifted copy

I LOVED THIS.

BLOG || INSTAGRAM

I wasn’t expecting to love this and I’m oh so happy I did. I did know prior that this is not a ROMANCE, but a fiction story with a side of romance. With that set in my mind I could really enjoy Natalie’s journey. I actually liked the time jumps in this one. The story telling was fantastic and that I didn’t feel like we were slogging through details that had happened, but instead pushing the story forward. It kept things from dragging and I had a hard time putting my headphones down for this book.

And even though this wasn’t a romance, I still loved the slow burn between Natalie and Rob. They both have to grapple with a lot that life throws at them. I liked that this felt true to life without being overly dramatic or feeling like it was nonsense. I could understand the thoughts and feelings and it is a book with such readability that it was easy to fly through.

I loved Natalie’s path. The ups and downs. Making mistakes and righting wrongs. Holding tightly to friendships and realizing the love of her life was so close to her for so long. It was a beautiful story and I can’t wait to read more from this author!

Overall audience notes:
- Fiction + Romance
- Language: low
- Romance: fade to black
- Content Warnings: cancer (side character), a parent develops dementia 

Full review to come!