WHAT WAS THAT.

BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK

Yeah yeah yeah this book was a pretty good conclusion and wrapped up most of the plot lines and things ALMOST ended as they should, but I can’t help my romantic brain, why did the author have to do this to me? This didn’t even feel like an eventually matter, it’s just straight unrequited forever. Booooooo.

Anyways, I did love all of the dragon content, and the evolution of Eragon has been great. I liked the other POV’s we saw and that Murtaugh got some good moments as well because I do plan to read his book.

That’s about all I can dive into without fully spoiling everything at the end of this first era of the series. I’m not mad I read these, they’re verrrrry long winded though and I’m glad I did them on audio.

Overall audience notes:
- YA Fantasy
- Language: none
- Romance: unrequited nonsense
- Violence: moderate-high 

4.5 stars

Thank you to Bethany House for the free book.

BEAUTIFUL.

BLOG || INSTAGRAM

I really enjoyed this story. I was captivated from the get-go and there’s something about Nicole Deese’s writing that draws you in. I loved all of the themes of forgiveness, finding where you belong and reconnecting with your family. This felt authentic to me and I think that’s why it resonated so well. I could feel the complicated family dynamics and sometimes the backwards journey it takes to find balance and a place of peace with loved ones.

The romance was tender and sweet. It’s more instant attraction than I’m generally drawn too but I didn’t have that issue at all here. I felt that connection and that click between Raegan and Micah. I loved that they had the tough conversations, moments to breath, and some good kissing scenes too. This was also dual POV (which y’all know I love) and only added to the story getting Micah’s side and reasoning behind his choices too.

I loved all of the road trip antics. How the journey was up and down and ultimately ended exactly where I hoped it would. I loved all of these characters and watching the relatable nature that is life bring this family together.

Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance
- Language: None
- Romance: Kisses
- Violence: Low
- Trigger/Content Warnings: mentions of using diet pills/unsafe weight loss, loss of a parent, divorce, depictions of grief, alcohol consumption 

Thank you Orbit Books for the gifted ARC.

OOOOOH Y’ALL.

BLOG || INSTAGRAM

Do I have thoughts.

First, this is a really solid middle book. It didn’t have me in a chokehold like book one, but it also didn’t have a second book meltdown. The plot keeps moving and the meddling gods cause way more chaos and I am here for it all. I enjoy Lore as the main character and like her balance of softness and strength.

Nowww. The romance. I am just not feeling it like I was in book one. I think there was a bit less of a connection and I didn’t get enough moments throughout. Nor do I know where this is heading and that has left me befuddled too. I’m a wee bit concerned on how things will shake out in the last book.

I didn’t mind the plot and while yes, there’s some repetitive nature to it, I still felt like I had an enjoyable time reading the story. It goes by pretty quickly and has a more young adult writing style with adult content. There’s a great amount of upheaval that occurred at the end and I thought it left off at a spot that had me wanting to know what happens next.

Overall audience notes:
- Fantasy Romance
- Language: moderate
- Romance: 1-2 open door; mentions of closed door
- Violence: high

 

GREAT READ.

BLOG || INSTAGRAM

This one took some time to grow on me but once it did I was hooked. There’s a bit of a slow start and some info dumping that happens initially, then the story settles and you can really dive deep with the plot and characters.

I adored that this had multiple POV. I loved that two of the main characters were sisters who cared for each other and loved all the good and bad within each other. There was so much growth from Zara and Daria throughout the book that I very much would love to see where they go in book two.

And the romances?? I loved how they contrasted with the darkness of the book. They were much softer and subtler. The banter and pining was top tier and I loved the reveals and twists from the romances too. This had my favorite kind of slow burn where I get a chance to love the character separately and the chemistry they have between them feels naturally devloped.

I am intrigued by the ending and it was a fantastic cliff hanger. I am absolutely going to need book two and look forward to another book in this world.

Overall audience notes:
- Fantasy Romance
- Language: moderate
- Romance: 2-3 open; low innuendo
- Violence: high 

Thank you to the author for a gifted audiobook.

I HAVE THOUGHTS.

BLOG || INSTAGRAM

I enjoyed much of this. It kind of falls a predictable story line, but I just rolled with it and got into the story. I thought the hidden identities trope played well here, and the celebrity romance aspects were fun too. It was unique to have a blind FMC and I loved learning and understanding from that perspective. The music journalism aspects were great too.

There were some good growth moments and I liked seeing Jenny grow up. With big life decisions before her she made some tough choices and learned from mistakes. I was originally okay with the third act conflict, but then I felt it was stretched out to some dramatic proportions that I found myself more frustrated with than anything. I hit a point where I was ready to wrap things up.

The audiobook was good and I liked listening in that format. The narrator did a great job with the accents and bringing the characters to life.

Overall audience notes:
- YA Contemporary Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: low
- Trigger/Content Warnings: divorce 

 Thank you Bibliolifestyle Tours for the ARC.

MIDDLE OF THE ROAD.

BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK

I had high hopes for this one after seeing some good reviews but I find myself with middle of the road thoughts about how everything went down. The insta-love was a bit meh. I was a little bit charmed by the swept away vibes of it, but he mostly taught her to swim and then they were in love and I feel like I’m missing something.

Then for 90% of the story they are in separate parts of the world both doing completely different things. It made this hard to call a romance (which was my expectation). There’s some good self growth journey moments and I liked where things ended up at the closing pages at least. There was a lot of pirate content, which is always my favorite and I could tell this book was well researched. I always appreciate that aspect when reading a historical book.

Overall audience notes:
- Historical Fiction + Romance
- Language: low
- Romance: closed door
- Violence: moderate
- Trigger/Content Warnings: still birth, mistreatment/shaming of a women, death of friends 

 IT WAS CUTE.

BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK

This was one of those books that I liked listening when I was, but now that it’s over I don’t remember all that much. It’s a sweet book and the general premise was fun. I liked seeing the women fight back against ridiculous rules while finding love.

I don’t love this story telling style though with multiple POV’s in a short book. It lacks the character depth I often crave and feels more superficial overall.

But if you need something short and sweet and are in the mood for a historical romance I wouldn’t hesitate to say try this one out.

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

 4.5 stars

BEAUTIFUL.

BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK

I loved this book y’all. It brought me close to tears multiple times and I loved so many themes throughout. How deeply motherhood has been woven into Soledad’s soul touched my soul too. I love how fiercely she loved her daughters and valued who they are and her place as a Mom. It was empowering and encouraging. Kennedy Ryan writes some of the best children characters I’ve ever read. They all are attached to my heart and are the sweetest souls.

The romance was beautiful too. I didn’t love the benefits angle that it had for most of the relationship but I adored the chemistry between Soledad and Judah. I loved how patient and endearing Judah was. How he allowed Soledad to find herself and was okay with waiting. I think the time jumps worked well in the beginning too because I was concerned at what the timeline was going to look like from the initial drama of the beginning.

Kennedy Ryan is an incredible writer and I lover her storytelling powers. I look forward to her future books!

Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance
- Language: moderate
- Romance: 3+ open door
- Violence: low
- Trigger/Content Warnings: divorce, cheating spouse, imprisonment 

Thank you Orbit Books for the free copy.

VERY INTO THIS.

BLOG || INSTAGRAM

Uh, y’all. I was not expecting to love this as much as I did and I’m so excited it blew my expectations out of the water. What a twisty romantic tale that left me needing the second book nowwww.

I loved Lore. I thought the whole general plot of the book was interesting too. A mash of things I’ve read before but filled with a lot of nuance that kept me listening and intrigued by what was going to happen next.

The romance has me doing some major side eye. I don’t know who I want and I don’t know who’s I need to run from. Gosh I love morally gray men with magic. It’s very much a slow burn romance with just the right level of love triangle for me.

Betrayals and turns kept coming and every time I thought I was going one way I was yanked another way. I love fantasies like this. I loved the atmosphere and vibe and all the things in between. I’m going to go pick up book two ASAP.

Overall audience notes:
- Fantasy Romance
- Language: moderate
- Romance: heated kisses
- Violence: high 

Thank you to the author for the free audiobook.

BLOWN AWAY.

BLOG || INSTAGRAM

Audiobook notes: This is the only negative thing I have to say. The audio wasn’t great. I ended up reading more of the book on my kindle because of the narration. When the narrator would read the general story line, it was fine. But anytime voices were used it was hard to understand and didn’t fit the characters well either. For someone who can listen to very dense fantasies at 3x with no problems, I had to slow this one wayyyy down to understand what was being said.

BUT NOW ALL OF THE HAPPY THINGS BECAUSE I LOVED THIS BOOK.

This was a lot more heavily Christian fiction than I generally go for, so while this is one I’m usually not drawn too, I thought it everything was beautifully crafted. I think with the setting and time period the faith aspects were woven in well and showcased beautiful moments of connection and love.

I adored the hard fought relationship between Hector and Cara. It often felt like one step forward, two steps back, but then those moments of clarity and understanding would come and I loved how the communication lines began to open. I was a smitten puddle over many moments. I loved the conflict and just the right level of action. The heat and passion of true love and the strength of friendships.

A fabulous book. I am blown away this was a debut and I hope we get more books from this author soon!

Overall audience notes:
- Christian Historical Fiction Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: closed door
- Violence: moderate
- Trigger/Content Warnings: spousal abuse (physical), loss of loved one, childbirth, mentions of child abuse, attempted assault, being stoned