WORTH THE WAIT.

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I know we have been all waiting for this story and for me, IT ABSOLUTELY WAS EVERYTHING I COULD HOPE FOR. Oh my gosh I was in love with Lucian and Sloane from the beginning and I loved how this wrapped up everything.

They have the perfect contemporary enemies to lovers banter. You actually felt the hatred, but also the passion and intensity in the emotions both of them are trying to hide. I loved watching them battle it out and also let go. And some of those second half scenes?? Where everything was finally being laid out?? I AM A PUDDLE NOW. I love endearing moments. I also love possessive moments. This had both. ALL THE MOMENTS.

I love this small town and all of the characters. I loved getting to see everyone from previous books again. I was laughing, swooning and on the edge of my seat throughout the story. 650 pages blew by before I could even blink because this is an addictive read.

Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance + Suspense
- Language: strong
- Romance: 4+ open
- Violence: moderate-high
- Trigger/Content Warnings: domestic abuse, gun violence, murder, attempted murder 

Thank you to the author for an eARC!

SUNSHINE.

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It’s my favorite micro trope ever: when the MMC is GONE for the FMC. It never gets old and automatically has me kicking my feet in the air waiting to watch the love story play out. And this one DELIVERED.

I love the combination of murder mystery and romance. It just works. Gracie Ruth Mitchell does an incredible job of balancing all of the swoon while moving the plot along and wondering whodunnit. I ADORED Soren (are we surprised?) and was ecstatic to get his POV alongside Heidi’s. I also thought Heidi was great. She’s quirky and goes after what she wants and I loved watching her let Soren in.

There’s lots of really great themes throughout too that made me want to hug multiple characters. I loved the bookish vibes and the small town setting. And every time Soren spoke I’m pretty sure I melted into the floor. This book is sweet and I loved it.

A fantastic story, one I devoured in practically a day. The books in this series can be read as a standalone too!

Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: low-moderate
- Trigger/Content Warnings: murder, attempted murder 

 WELL, I LIKED IT.

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This has a surprising (to me) low-ish rating on Goodreads and I was a bit hesitant to pick it up. But after listening to the audio, honestly I liked it! I want to read the second book.

Now I will say, this is an adult fantasy, but the writing style and character choices came off much more young adult. I noticed it, but it didn’t overall affect me that much (but I can see where that could be an issue).

There’s a love triangle, that I didn’t hate. I liked the tension and it’s pretty easy to see where things are going and that was fine and dandy for me. This had a true enemies to lovers trope and I loved the heated banter.

The plot is there, took a little bit to make sense and follow, I’m curious enough to keep going and see how things continue to progress.

Overall audience notes:
- Fantasy Romance
- Language: some strong
- Romance: one open; some innuendo
- Violence: high 

OWEN.

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He MUST BE PROTECTED AT ALL COSTS. This is definitely one of my new favorites from Courtney Walsh. I LOVED all of the fall aesthetic vibes and this small town. The Sweater Weather series is hitting it out of the park.

I loved the contrast between more practical, Owen, and romantic, Emmy. I loved all of the conversations and themes surrounding the importance of both and how each facet can fit into your life and relationship. There’s no ridiculous third act, just two people who are finally getting the chance they’ve always deserved to be together.

There were so many moments I want to highlight. I loved the firefighter aspects, the CALENDAR, the podcast, the dock, the bar scene, they were all amazing!! The amount of times I was swooning and loving every single moment y’all.

This was a gem. Read it.

Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: low
- Trigger/Content Warnings: house fire, learning disabilities, bullying 

Full review to come!

 KIND OF FORGETTABLE.

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I read this book two days ago and as I’m sitting here trying to write this review I am remembering very little. It just kind of happened and I’ve already moved on?

The gothic vibes were there and I did like those. There’s a hidden identity trope and that’s always a favorite of mine. Waiting for the two points of view to collide was good and some of the world development was there. Though I don’t think the intention of the story worked well in this pure fantasy vs. a historical fantasy.

Otherwise, I think a lot of execution was lacking. I don’t totally get the vampire/zombie thing. I wasn’t invested in the romance and with it being a shorter standalone I just needed more.

Overall audience notes:
- YA Fantasy
- Language: very little
- Romance: Fade to black
- Violence: moderate
- Trigger/Content Warnings: anti-Semitism, plague, loss of life 

THE WAY I LOVED THIS.

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I won this book in a giveaway from the author before release which of course meant I wanted to pick it up before then. AND GOSH DANG. This might be the holiday book of the year y’all.

This had People We Meet on Vacation vibes but make it winter with a snowed in cabin and two people who never stopped loving each other seven years prior. I loved the chronic illness rep and I FELT all of the emotions Ellie was feeling deeply. The complicated family relationships, wanting to be free and so many themes inbetween.

The dual timelines brought out the emotions. It was PRECIOUS watching a young Theo and Ellie became friends and how that brewed into this deep and passionate, soul mate kind of love. The snow globes?? The ice skating?? The sneaking trips to see each other?? OH MY GOSH YOUNG LOVE.

I liked the current timeline plot too and that you could tell how GONE Theo was for Ellie. And when that third act came up and all of the details were revealed I was ANGRY. Which is a compliment because I am deeply attached to these characters. It was a sympathetic battle of understanding and I like how that was handled too.

Everything was incredible about this book. If you’re looking for a spicy holiday romance. Look no further. THIS IS THE ONE.

Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Holiday Romance
- Language: some strong
- Romance: 3-4+ open and fade to black
- Violence: low
- Trigger/Content Warnings: Chronic illness (lupus), loss of parents, strained family relations 

 I MADE IT.

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I seriously have only been reading this series purely to cross off all of Sanderson’s book and HALLELUJAH I have made it. I just don’t think Robert Jordan’s writing style and fantasy composition is for me (and that’s okay).

While the story progressed and it was better than the previous installments I still wasn’t enamored. A lot of the time I spend wondering how much of this information is actually pertinent? And when I go an read a summarized version after to make sure I’ve caught everything I need to, I remember that stuff! So the rest…is a lot of unnecessary hoopla.

And there’s not a lot I can say that won’t be spoilery so, moving on. I’ve read it. It was fine and I can’t wait to finish this series now.

Overall audience notes:
- Fantasy
- Language: a little
- Romance: closed door
- Violence: high 

Thank you to the author for an eARC.

ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE.

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This is one of my newest favorite series ever. Three books in and I am LOVING EVERY PAGE. Do not let this page count concern you. I didn’t notice one bit that this was 1,000 pages. Luther will soothe your soul and you’ll fall in love with Diem’s personality.

I love the massive journey this book took. Meeting other leaders and seeing other lands. Watching the magic happen and curious where things will continue to turn. Well written politicking is my favorite and I love how this was crafted here. There’s a lot of people trying to make the best decision of their people, even if they might not be seeing the full story.

Getting some BIG answers to some questions I know we’ve all been waiting on was FANTASTIC. I have many theories and I will be waiting on pins and needles needing to know how this series wraps up. I love all of the gryvern content. I love how Diem makes right and wrong decisions and in genuinely trying her best. I AM OBSESSED WITH LUTHER and his unwavering loyalty and determination. There’s multiple side characters who I adore, and many I hate, and I love that I feel that much for everyone.

This is a beautiful series. With the slowest of slow burns and the intense action that my fantasy reader self craves. I LOVE THIS SERIES PLEASE READ IT.

Overall audience notes:
- Fantasy Romance
- Language: some strong
- Romance: 3 open door
- Violence: high
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of life, near death experiences, battle themes

Thank you PRHAudio for the gifted audiobook.

HARD NO.

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Honestly, I don’t even want to write this review, but also, it’s my due diligence to give my thoughts for this. Definitely not going on any of my 2023 holiday recommendation lists.

Things started off fine, I was liking it overall and curious to where things were going. Enter in, Sam’s girlfriend. Who was there for 75% of the book. And then proceeded to cause chaos. I saw what the author was trying to accomplish with that relationship, but to me it didn’t come off well. She was cruel to be cruel and add drama that didn’t need to be there. This entire book is ONE BIG MISCOMMUNICATION. That if it had been solved by 30-40% would have been fine.

I also liked Sam until the third act where he used the for your own good break-up line and I laughed at my audiobook thinking NO WAY IS THIS HAPPENING AT 90%.

Maya was fine. A BIIIIIIG conversation/conflict avoider. At all costs. And that got old because every plot line began to drag out longer than necessary.

I’m just cranky. This book made me cranky.

Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Holiday Romance
- Language: some strong
- Romance: 3ish open door
- Trigger/Content Warnings: gaslighting and emotionally abusive girlfriend