morganthebee's Reviews (489)

The Fleet Admiral's Daughter came to me through an email about an ARC that was available that I might enjoy, and since it seemed right up my alley I figured I'd check it out. I have zero regrets. This impressive debut novel from J. A. Gaudio is a fabulous space romance with a bit of mystery and some great characters.

The story's focus is Sarah Miller, the daughter of the Fleet Admiral who was forced to step down. Sarah's been a Captain in the Marines, but she's pulled into service on the Crown Space Station, her father's pride and joy. She's reluctant in her service, hesitant to take on higher leadership despite familial expectations. She's determined to set her own path, fearful that others will see her role as nepotism and desperately wanting to feel like she's earned her place. All she wants is to go back to Earth and her Marines. Oh, and Annie. She wants her, too.

Annie Jones is a Lieutenant Commander also stationed on the Crown, and she and Sarah have a history. She's a great leader with career aspirations, steadfast and loyal. She's caring and supportive, wants what's best for the people around her (Sarah most of all), and she'll do just about anything for the people she loves.

Together Sarah and Annie, along with Sarah's twin brother Max, navigate the politics of service and the station. The earlier part of the story introduces us to the characters and the workings of the universe in a really easy to follow way, and then it opens up and expands into a plot that could threaten everything. I really enjoyed how everything developed and the pacing was great. There is a cliffhanger ending but I can't wait for the next installment, I'll definitely be checking it out!

I received a free ARC from StoryOrigin, but my review is unbiased and left voluntarily.

The Trial Period is a fun take on the fake dating trope, with outgoing Parker and shy introvert Lizzie, who are constantly bickering, being dared by their mutual best friend Camille to “date” for a month to try to work out their issues. The two immediately shut it down, but the more they think about it, the more they’re intrigued by the idea. 

Parker is a bit self-centered, not really thinking about the people around her and how her actions and behaviors affect them, but she’s also a bit insecure. Lizzie has some serious anxiety issues and struggles to get out of her shell. As the two of them spend more time together they start to bring out better qualities in the other, and the bickering turns into banter. I do wish we got to see a bit more of Camille, but there are some fun side characters, like the kids who run a hot chocolate/bad advice booth downtown and some of the other students involved in the school musical, and there are even some drag queens. 

This is definitely a YA book. They’re in high school, and some of the actions and decisions they make are ones that make sense for a teenager but wouldn’t be something I would expect from an adult. I did really enjoy the characters and the plot, it made sense and flowed well. If you’re into YA, The Trial Period is one I’d recommend. 

I received a free ARC from NetGalley, but my review is unbiased and left voluntarily.

The Cupcake Conundrum by Rey Luca is a fairly low-angst love story between Luna, a slightly grumpy cafe owner in danger of losing her business, and Scarlett, a quirky, newly jobless actuary. Luna needs someone to help out in the shop, and Scarlett needs a job. There’s a connection between them right from the start, and as the two get closer feelings start to develop.

The book is third person present tense told from Luna’s perspective, making her the most developed character in the book, but Scarlett is also really interesting. I liked her a lot, and the banter between the two was fun. The side characters really round out the cast, primarily the other cafe employees like her pastry chef Alfred (who is basically family) and Yolanda, but we also get to meet a few family members as well.

I really enjoyed the story, it’s cute, sweet, and there's a little spice, too. I’d definitely check this one out if you’re looking for a quick and lovely sapphic romance.

I received a free ARC from BookSirens, but my review is unbiased and left voluntarily.

In part 3 of the Guardian of the Winter Stone series, we pick up where we left off in the previous installment: the intrepid group has made their way to the village where they believe a scholar who can translate a journal for them resides. We'll spend all of this part of the story here in the village, where the team helps the people. There are developments in relationships, which is really the focus, as Akira opens up to Ashleigh and they grow closer, and Akira and Danny slowly make their way toward a tentative friendship.

Each time I read an installment of this series I find myself wishing it was longer, that I got more of the story before having to wait until the next one comes out, but I suppose that's one way to keep me coming back for more. I'll guess I'll just have to sit and patiently wait for the next one...

I received a free ARC from the author, but my review is unbiased and left voluntarily.