Let’s be real, I’m sitting right at about 3.5 stars right now. I loved The Hating Game and had heard this one might not measure up, but I think it’s about even in my opinion.

This book feels like a cozy blanket, a hot drink, and a warm hug. It may not have been written perfectly if I’m honest, especially with how Ruthie’s character was portrayed. She felt a little one-note at times, and I think Teddy was more thoroughly fleshed out than she was. She felt dependent and like a lost puppy dog following others around most of the time. I get that was kind of the point, though.

So… just spent 2 hours of my life reading absolute filler… not much substantial happens here. Even the

As someone who isn’t normally big on historical fiction, I wasn’t expecting to love this book based on the music industry of the 60’s and 70’s. I expected a romance that pulled from the romanticizing of being a touring artist, but instead got a rich story, characters, and a picture of how female artists were treated at this time.

When the headliner of a local music festival doesn’t show, Jane Quinn and her friends-turned-bandmates are tasked with performing for their largest audience yet with no preparation. Everyone expects a train wreck, but they audience quickly sees Jane for who she is: a hauntingly beautiful singer-songwriter.

While I absolutely loved this slow-burn story and how the characters all handled their grief differently, I thought the last quarter of the book couldn’t hold a candle to everything that came before it. This magnificent, descriptive writing that shared the highs and lows of touring ended up quickly putting together an international escape and one of the least satisfying endings I’ve read in a while. No major spoilers here, but I love a good bittersweet ending normally. This one just felt like they needed something to tie up all the loose ends quickly. Everything else was so well done for me that it still easily gets 4/5 stars in my book and I highly recommend it to everyone who loves music, wanted to be a musician growing up, or wonders what it would be like to be the person walking the red carpets. This is just a debut novel, and I can’t wait to see how the author’s writing develops and grows in all books to come!

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

I’m new to the “cozy mystery” game, but I’m here for this! I started this book expecting Dial A For Aunties vibes and wasn’t disappointed. I loved the inclusion of Filipino culture and Lila’s interaction with her family and the friends who were so close they might as well be related.

Overall, I think this was a sweet, quick read that hit the spot for a mystery but not horror. It may have been on the predictable side and almost cheesy in parts, but truly I think the thought and intention that went into the characters and their interactions and culture made this book for me. Probably closer to 3.5 stars than a true 4, but still worth a read if you’re wanting something light-hearted and fun.

WOW. I loved this!! While it may not be a perfect book, it’s an absolute page-turner. I thought it was a little predictable, but had just enough twists in the main character’s thoughts to keep you second guessing. I just finished this book, but if I already want to read it again. I’m not a re-reader, it’s just that good!

HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone, but especially those in reading slumps. I listened to the audiobook and couldn’t turn it off!!

This book is just too sweet! I'm a sucker for the enemies-to-lovers trope, even in the Alaskan bush apparently! Josh is one of my favorite new book boyfriends... everyone needs a protective but sweet guy with a gruff exterior and a heart of gold! I can't wait to finish out this series!