Thank you to the author for an eARC.

OH HOW TENDER.

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I adored this soft and gentle romance. Sometimes that is exactly what I’m after and this was a beautiful story. I loved the dichotomy between Sydney’s extrovert self and Trent’s introvert self. They gave each other space to be who they are, and also meeting each other and being open to new dynamics. It was the sweetest grump and sunshine.

Absolutely obsessed with the setting. I’m not a PNW girlie but boy did this make me want to try it out. I felt like I was there and I love that so much. And I loved all of the side characters too. They were subtle and just what this book needed to bring it all together.

A lovely romance. Hailey Gardiner deserves all the love for her romances y’all.

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

 STILL LOVING.

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Three books in and I am hooked on this series. I love how fun they are. I am laughing throughout, I am loving the themes and the friendships and the general demeanor of this story. Sanderson’s ability to write across different age groups is incredible and I love that versatility in his writing.

I adore Alcatraz and his family, I liked this continuation and seeing how the larger plot is still moving forward. These are short and fast paced which makes them feel like they are flying by. Can’t wait for more!

Overall audience notes:
- MG Fantasy
- Language: none
- Romance: none
- Violence: low 

 THIS IS ACADEMIC RIVALS.

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You know when a trope is mentioned and when you read it, you feel like that trope was not actually there? NOT the case for this book. This was an intense and passion filled academic rivals and I loved that. Sadie and Julius were at each other constantly but you could also clearly see the chemistry between them.

I liked seeing Sadie grow over the book. Bless her heart, being so consumed by people pleasing and trying to make things right was eating her up. And I liked watching her understand that you just can’t please everyone, and that those who love you will stick with you.

This was pretty solid for YA in regards to content. I didn’t love the underage drinking house party, but language and romantic content wise it would be okay for teens. Which is always a plus for young adult books.

I have enjoyed this author’s previous books and will definitely continue to pick them up.

Overall audience notes:
- YA Contemporary Romance
- Language: low
- Romance: kisses
- Trigger/Content Warnings: parental abandonment, cyberbullying 

 Thank you to Amy Harmon for the gifted copy.

FEELING EVERYTHING.

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I don’t even know how to put into words how beautiful this book was. I was swept away (again, because let’s be honest, Amy Harmon books always sweep me away) into the early 1900’s and Butch Cassidy’s life, and what a life it was.

I looooved the exploration of Cassidy and his life and how he ended up where he did. I love how the inclusion of history was woven in with the romance. Good heavens I loved Jane. Her continued strength through a difficult life and being the mother she wanted and needed to be for Augustus while allowing herself a chance to be with Butch. It was incredibly romantic and heartfelt and raw with truth and longing.

Also Augustus? In love with him. He was the sweetest boy who had to grow up too soon. And he was the perfect addition to this story. I found strength is his courage and the way he handled himself throughout the book.

I loved the setting and story and the intensity of what was slowly closing in. My heart was in my throat and had to hope with everything in me that we’d get to the ending I was begging for.

Another masterpiece where I fell in love with a ‘villain’.

Overall audience notes:
- Historical Romance
- Language: low
- Romance: fade to black
- Trigger/Content Warnings: suicide, rape (mentioned a few times, recounted), gun violence 

 3.5 stars

I FIGURED IT OUT.

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I might not be a thriller gal, no matter how hard I try. This go around, I figured out what happened in the first few chapters and was only surprised by one twist. I didn’t really care for any of the characters either. Another situation where basically everyone had done something bad so I didn’t feel attached to anyone.

The audiobook narration was great, no issues there.

And also I felt like nothing felt new? The points of the plot were what you would expect and I was hoping for something fresh or to really hold my attention.

Overall audiobook notes:
- Thriller/Mystery
- Language: moderate
- Violence: high
- Trigger/Content Warnings: multiple murders, child abuse, gun violence 

Thank you to Bethany House Fiction for the free book.

UNEXPECTEDLY DEEP.

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Since this was book two in a series I didn’t read the summary and found this book much heavier than I expected. Not a bad thing, but a thing to note to be prepared to read the trigger warnings first.

Once the plot started to unfold my heart started to hurt. The second chance romance between Graham and Gemma was fought for. The resilient nature of both of them to stubbornly hold on to things and watching those walls crumble was beautiful. I loved how faith was worked into this story and the meaningful moments that were given to these characters to find a way back home.

The mystery was good, I enjoyed the themes throughout the book and how the story was uncovered. I think the Imposters group is a great little found family and I like seeing them work together to solve the crimes before them while supporting each other through their trials.

I’m very much looking forward to Yates book!

Overall audience notes:
- Historical Fiction
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: low-moderate
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of a baby (recounted and discussed throughout), kidnapped children, near suicide, loss of a child (recounted) 

 STILL LAUGHING.

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Oh my goodness, these books have me busting up and I love it. I love the cheek and sass and the wry humor of how this is narrated.

I liked how the story progressed and getting a fun change of location too. There’s a bit of growth starting to happen in Alcatraz and I love his friendship with Bastille.

A lot of fun here, really is a great for all type of read and I look forward to continuing the series and seeing where these characters go next.

Overall audience notes:
- Middle Grade Fantasy
- Language: none
- Romance: none
- Violence: low 

Thank you GetUnderlined for the gifted ARC.

UH, I LOVED THIS.

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I really didn’t have any kind of expectations going into this, I was just genuinely hoping to like this book and it ended up hitting me in the feels on many levels.

I adored the grump x sunshine set up. I loved Natalie. She made me laugh and want to hug her. I felt that 19 years old, trying to figure out the next step, and having to do it mostly alone. Not having the best parent connection and struggling with anxiety (the anxiety rep was amazing y’all). Meeting her match in Finn, the cutest grumpy cinnamon roll. I loved him and that even without a POV I got a great background and depth of self and I loooooved the banter between them. And also how they worked through apologizing and communicating. It wasn’t a linear road, nor was it wildly dramatic and blown out or proportion. I love the realness of it all.

The setting was fun. I liked the trek through a portion of the Appalachian Trail and the reality show worked well into the story. Even as a main part of the atmosphere I don’t think it overwhelmed the character driven story about Natalie.

This surprised me in all the best ways. I constantly found myself wanting to pick it up and enjoy it. Made me smile and swoon, and I appreciated the themes throughout too.

Overall audience notes:
- NA Contemporary Romance
- Language: low-moderate
- Romance: make-outs
- Violence: low
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of a parent (off page, recounted – cancer) 

 WHERE HAVE I BEEN?

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Not reading this book clearly. I am glad this has been rectified. I loved it. If you’re a Red Rising fan, I think this a must to try out too. I saw some small similarities but it is very much its own story and I loved that. I loved the dark academia setting and the Roman influence throughout.

The magic system is really interesting and I love how it wove back into the world building. It’s intricate while being easy to consume and I can’t wait to explore this world more. There were a lot of good twists and reveals that had me on the edge of my seat and I thought the action was written incredibly well.

I loved the audiobook and I’m excited to see where this story continues to go.

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

WHAT A CONCLUSION.

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Who knew I’d be obsessed with this dark fantasy? I didn’t and I’m so glad my friends reviews convinced me to pick it up! I loved the way this went. I usually don’t love when a couple is separated for too long in a book, and I think the way the action and intrigue was kept up I was not bothered at all. Everything came together as it should. The slower middle actually worked beautifully because that was the bit of peace the story needed before the action packed, deadly conclusion.

I LOVE Erik and Livia so much. Both on their own and together. There’s incredible growth and I love watching their relationship blossom and thrive. Erik had so many swoony lines that I had to keep highlighting because can you EVEN??? It was the perfect kind of contrast with the darkness of the book. And this whole cast?! I adore them. Side characters can make/break a book and these MADE it.

Fantastic book. I loved it. I am very excited to see that there will be more books in this series (following a different pair!!).

Overall audience notes:
- Fantasy Romance
- Language: moderate
- Romance: 4+ open door
- Violence: very high; high blood/gore
- Trigger/Content Warnings: torture, sexual assault (brief, on page), war themes