rebeccasreadingrambles's Reviews (3.06k)

Excuse me while I scream! This book was fantastic. THIS IS ENEMIES TO LOVERS. I'm sorry you're going to think the whole book about killing your enemy while also fantasizing about them and constantly saving their life?! Yes. YES.

The writing is amazing, the longing is strong, and romance is so strong. I love all the dramatic twists and the magical system. The spells and scheming and back stabbing and constant action had me on the edge of my seat then entire time.

I will seriously miss these characters.

Note: I listened to the audiobook and LOVED it.

I am obsessed with this book. I read it in one sitting and it was perfection. The BBF, the Vegas wedding, the steam, the friendship to lovers, the flirting, ALL OF IT. I was hooked immediately and never let go. I love how this story developed, loved how bad-boy Renn was determined to show his wife how much he loved her.  Apparently I love the billionaire + athlete combo, stands up to his horrible father troupe. Also, his badass businesswoman mom (and sisters). Of course I fell for this whole family and neeeeed to read all of their stories.

Note: I listened to the audiobook and it was FANTASTIC.

Thanks to the author for a free copy to review; my thoughts and review are my own.

Another fun and dramatic entry in one of my favorite series. I love seeing the development of all my favorite characters and also the cozy cupcake bakery setting. This was a fun mixup of the status quo with a new franchise opening. I love that the new owners are football players, breaking gender stereotypes and doing something they are passionate about (or trying to be passionate about as they learn). It highlights the hard work required to open a franchise and learn the ins and out. Also, Ray Delaura was cracking me up in this book. I loved meeting Keogh (and his mom) and Tyler and the sleuthing was fun. The ending had a lot of good twists and a big secret is revealed throughout the book. I am so happy about this ending and cannot wait for even more!

Note: I listened to the audiobook and really enjoy this narrator.

Another fun book in this series. At this point Finlay and Vero feel like family at this point so I'm always happy to be back with their schemes and laughs.  As usual this book cracked me up the entire time. It didn't feel as high stakes as usual, maybe because they have cleared a lot of their past or because I really don't care about Steven, but I kind of liked it. The ending had a lot of good and shocking twists and I loooooove seeing how Finlay and Nick's relationship is evolving! And of course another shocker cliff hanger to keep us excited for the next book.

Note: As usual, I listened to the audiobook and it was great.

Thanks to the publisher for a free audiobook copy; my thoughts and review are my own.

I finished this book. In one day. I am not okay. This was everything and it broke me and I honestly think it altered my brain chemistry. I may never love another book again. This book is burned into me and all day I've felt myself zoning out just thinking about it and the whole series.

This book was everything we needed it to be. It was the glue on the series. It was the missing piece that I didn't know was missing. It explained so much, portrayed so much, and it was pain. The pain of knowing what was coming and still wishing for something different (both Haymitch and the reader). The gaslighting, the indoctrination, the dig at AI, the manipulation of history - this book shows us what really happened in the past when we think we already know the full story. It gives us such a clear and different picture.  I loved seeing beloved characters from the future. I loved all the nods and ties to THG trilogy.

This is the story that we don't usually see in dystopian fiction - the try to fight and seeing failure instead of triumph.

I loved it so much even though it might be the MOST painful book I have ever read.

Audiobook note: DO IT! IT'S SO GOOD, RAW, EMOTIONAL.

This book had an amazing premise and it started out STRONG. I instantly loved Sybil and the meet cute with a bang (literally) I was like okayyy. But then I just didn't love Kiran and his attitude was not great for the start of the book.  Also I think we were supposed to hate Sybil's mom and while YES it drove me nuts how she spoke to Sybil sometimes, I think she had some valid points. I also come from a family where we all joke about each other, so that part didn't seem so egregious to me, but I get why she could feel hurt by it. I don't think Sybil is a screw up; I think she is adorable head in the clouds adhd.  However, I think that part of her was not really well fleshed out.  Like she never "holds down a job" but also works for a temp agency so like.... that's what happens. I can't event tell if / what she wants as a regular job.  The romance also just fell flatish for me. Like I love a fake dating storyline, but it never really felt fake, especially with the way they met, so even that troupe didn't hold my attention.  Also, the winning the lottery thing was like a minor blip and barely influenced the story so I wanted more of that if that was the ploy. A lot of the plot was just going in circles

Overall, I felt like this was an okay, light story but missing a lot of the pull and development to make it great.

What a great way to kick off this series. I enjoyed this book so much and of course it made me hungry the entire time. Now I know that for future books i better have a hot cup of tea ready in hand while I read and it made me nostalgic for my visit to the Pike Place Market. I loved all the little tidbits about herbs and spices and the best ways to use and handle them. I also love how confident Pepper is in her life choices and new career path. Spending the day working in a spice shop in beautiful Seattle really does sound ideal. I also love how she trusts her friends and employees and won't stop trying to help.  I also am proud of her for standing up for herself in the romance department and not letting herself be steamrolled or neglected. I was truly shocked by the many twists and turns and by the ending. So many of the characters were so endearing and I can't wait to read more!

note: I listened to the audiobook and recommend it!

This book is one big misdirection.... in the best way. I love how I never know what's going on and it is such a complicated web to unweave and find the killer. Especially because real illusions are involved and it's hard to tell what's true from what is assumed. I don't want to give any spoilers, but I loved that this book centered around a classic mystery library. There is even a locked room mystery with clues relating to Agatha Christie books, who I love and of course made me smile so much. I also love that Tempest isn't keeping secrets from her family anymore and her grandfather even helps the sleuthing. I was shocked by the ending! And I am rooting for the potential of romance in the future.

Thanks to the publisher for a free copy; my review and my thoughts are my own.

The way I screameddd at the end of this book (IYKYK).  This series is amazing. This is the 2nd book and it is so different from the first, but equally captivating. The characters are amazing, the descriptions and magic and heists.  It took me through alllll the emotions and I need to recover before the final book comes out next month.  

love story x yearning x heists x quests x gods and ghosts x family ties and found family x tricky x compassion x shocking reveals x one of the BEST female fantasy MCs (sassy, smart, funny, and always ready to flip things upside down)

The author was not kidding when she said this was a love story; filled with tender moments, yearning, heartbreak, danger, and sacrifice. There are also different kinds of love and so many of those are explored in this book.

Note: I listened to the audiobook and it is fantastic and brings an amazing and unique voice to this unique MC.

Thanks to the publisher for a free copy; my review and thoughts are my own.

Oooh this was fun.  I love a messy mom who loves her son above anything else, but also has a selfish bad decision making personality.  Especially in the setting of the snooty private school parent atmosphere.  This was equal parts laughing and cringing with Flo and amateur sleuthing. It was such an easy read to fly through with non-stop drama and action and secrets revealed.  I love that there are no easy answers, no easy morally perfect wrapup ending. And I love love love how much I can feel Flo's love for her son, no matter her actions, to the point where she would do anything to protect him. I can absolutely relate and also had such a fun time reading this.

Thanks to the publisher for a free copyl my review and my thoughts are my own.