This was a tough story to rate. First the good: despite not reading the other books in the series, Jordan and Cam felt like fully developed characters. Their relationship unfolded in a way that made sense to me, and the outcome felt earned. I never felt like they were taking a shortcut to happiness.

The bad: I felt increasing discomfort every time Jordan was willing to engage with Bryan. That discomfort made it difficult to continue with the story.

The DV was definitely difficult to read, even knowing it was coming.

I wanted Jordan to reclaim her power, but I was also increasingly frustrated by her insistence on doing it alone.

Ultimately, I was rooting for Jordan and Cam to get out of their own way and find their HEA. And really, that's all I can ask for.

Didn't anticipate a kraken love story to finish out the year, but it was a good choice. The characters are as loveable as paranormal beings can be, and the metting out of justice against bad people is icing on the cake.

This was my favorite of the Graves Glen series. Tamsyn was introduced as a minor character in previous stories, but her strong characterization in this story more than justified her FMC status. Tamsyn is charming and independent, wanting to make her own way. Bowen is independent to the point of solitude, and uninterested in social niceties. 

Experiencing the evolution of Tamsyn and Bowen's relationship is extremely satisfying, especially as they work together to solve the problem of how to get back from their accidental trip to 1957. All of the side characters they meet along the way are charming, funny, and clearly developed. 

My only note to those who listen to the audiobook: somehow, Vivi and Gwen are narrated (for as short a time as they're present) with a sort of quasi-Welsh accent, even though they're two of the three American characters. It doesn't detract from the story, but it is strangely funny to hear it.

This is a lovely story of a woman learning who she wants to be by returning to her family's roots. While this story centers on a Punjabi Sikh FMC, Niki's concerns are universal: what am I passionate about? What do I want out of life? How do I go after those things?

Sam is a delightful MMC with issues of his own, but none fully outweigh the obvious connection the two characters have. I almost wish the story were longer so we could experience more of their relationship alongside them.

I honestly feel emotionally manipulated by this book. The story of Beckett and Ella is a difficult one already - both of their personalities are so steeped in trauma that you know they're going to be frustrating in their actions and decision-making. Are they still loveable and rootable? Yes and no. It's like, I want to root for them, but I don't really want to be friends with them.

Around the halfway point, I can honestly say I predicted what the outcome would be, just not exactly how it would occur.

Frankly, im shocked Havoc wasn't the casualty of the story, but I just knew Colt was going to be the sacrifice. Maisie was the obvious choice given the rest of the story. But man, it didnt make me hate that outcome less.

Did I finish this? Obviously. Did I enjoy it? I'm still not sure. It made me cry, but it didn't leave me wanting to recommend it to anyone else.

Despite living up to the "explicit and plentiful" category for sex on the page, the story of Jake and Gen has a lot of heart and kindness woven throughout. It's an illustration of how easy it can be to see the problem from the outside, as you knew what Gen was doing and were powerless to stop her. Jake is a dreamy and wildly tempting book boyfriend, but some of his temper flares were a little too possessive. Overall, it was satisfying to experience HEA along side this pair.

Love the story of Theo and Evie! I appreciate when an FMC is a real person - messy, flawed, funny, confident - and Evie fits that bill. Theo is the perfect charmer, and his overture to Evie was adorable. It was fun to spend the holidays with this cute couple!

This was a super fun time! The meeting between the FMC and MMC was the ultimate meet-cute, and Everleigh's time as a hot mess was very entertaining. Griffin was extremely charming, and I'd be lying if i said his house wasn't my dream cabin. 

A solid novella that has a fully fleshed background and adult conflict. It was definite wish fulfillment, given the hyper-successful MMC and high-achieving FMC, but their relationship felt real and mostly earned.