Dual POV / narration (audiobook), sapphic young adult, holiday romance, and twelve festive dates with some Jewish representation? Yep. I liked this one.

I liked their romance arc since it didn’t hinge around the holidays, but happened to take place during them. The bigger plot surrounds a conflict that had been brewing for years and character development that was satisfying to watch. Will I read this as a part of my yearly rotation? Probably not, but I enjoyed my time reading this.

There’s just something about a well written young adult novel set in a small town that loves the holiday season. ❄️ If you liked Let it Snow, you’ll probably like this one. Similar voice and vibes.

It's rare that the second book in a series surpasses the first, but Two Twisted Crowns was an amazing ride and I'm glad that I savored it. The audiobook was not my cup of tea, like the first, but reading with my eyes was a treat since I was able to digest the scenes. This book is even more twisted than the first and the romance was amazing. The second book in a romance heavy series is always a little nerve racking because happily ever afters need to stay that way, you know? However, we knew this was going to happen and it was realistic in the world Gillig created. It didn't feel contrived or orchestrated just for plotting. Aside from Ravyn and Elspeth's story, we got to see new POVs and a brand new romance that I fucking adored. The tension was incredible and I highly recommend this series. Possibly the best books I've read this year.

Can we talk about Elm and Ione for a second???? Like they're the cutest damn couple ever and the tension created with the Maiden was incredible. I hated it from a reader standpoint because it killed me that she was hurting for so long, but it was genius writing. When the Maiden finally released her... like damn. I was giddy and kicking my feet, which is not a response that I was expecting from a book this dark.

I am obsessed and now I need to read Sweat and Soap (which I heard about from Gabbyreads on YouTube).

A huge thank you to NetGalley, Kintetsu Yamada, and Kodansha Comics for a copy of an eARC in exchange for an honest review. I had a fabulous time.

I was desperate for a palette cleanser and since I've been a bit under the weather, I wanted something feel-good that will make me laugh. Home Office Romance was just the thing I needed to get me through my afternoon.

This manga is under two hundred pages and a complete story, so it's perfect to read in a single sitting with a cup of coffee (or two). Simply put, it's about two neighbors falling for each other and it's adorable (and closed door).

Nokoru is a software engineer and started working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic and Natsu is an archeology grad student. I really connected with Nokoru's character since we're both analytical and straightforward. I laughed several times at his quirks because I see the same ones in myself.

What really impressed me was the third act conflict because it was external and pushed character development. I don't want to spoil anything, but I usually have a problem with third act conflicts because they diminish the characterization and/or involve internal relationship issues (cheating, an ex...). Home Office Romance didn't do that.

I would 100% order this book when it comes out and pick it up for a quick read that will leave you smiling.

🌲 One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig🌲

This duology has been super hyped up and I wanted to see why. Several close booksta friends said that I’d love this story, so let’s get into it!

🖤 Elspeth needs a monster. The monster might be her. 🖤

I have to say that I’ve started and put down this book several times, at no fault of its own. I’m an audiobook girlie, so I read along most of the time.

This audiobook was not for me. I hated the narration. The way that the narrator voiced the monster, her internal dialogue, and Elm was frustrating. It might not bother most, but I had to continue reading with my eyes. It was much more enjoyable for me that way.

Aside from the audio, this book was absolute gold and is probably one of the best books I’ve read this year. I loved all the characters (except the ones you’re supposed to hate). I loved the monster, his backstory, and how that storyline played out. I loved the complexities of the world building. There’s so much going on and it was a wild ride.

I also loved how dark it was. I went in almost completely blind and I encourage you to do the same.

If you like plot first, romance second in your fantasy, you will not be disappointed. The plotting is brilliant, dark, and captivating.