This book made me so happy.  When Harlowe meets Atlas after an emergency with her rescue dog, she thinks he is kind and handsome.  And then she learns he is the brother of her ex.  Neither of them like said ex.  When they discover he has moved back to town, they decide to fake dating - but it quickly becomes real.

This book is filled with laughter and tears.  There is a fun friend group that hints at the future novels.  There is a donkey named Muley Cyrus. Is there anything else you really need to know? 

I love the way the main characters talk to and about each other.  The mutual respect is so refreshing and fire emoji.

Thank you to the author and Love Notes PR for an ARC! I am leaving this review honestly and voluntarily.

Every 20 years, the cleanse happens. Justin wants to everything he can to protect his family. However, his little gambling habit gets in the way.  He's able to afford a small shelter for his family, but he must face the day by himself.  This book is filled with shady people, cult members and regular people trying to survive. 

This one is a quick read - it starts fast and never really slows down.  The idea as a whole is very interesting, but not well explained.  I wish we knew more about the creatures and saw more action with them.  The actual cleanse is a very small part of the book.  

Thank you to Netgalley and the author James Yates for an ARC. If you go back into this world, I would definitely read more!

It took a little bit to get into this book, but I ended up really loving it! It's definitely on the more cozy horror side - creepy, but quiet. I had a really hard time connecting with the main character, but I did see some growth and changes in her towards the end of the book. I love the cast and concepts of the different ghosts, and do plan to check out the rest of the series!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Thank you to NetGalley, author Hannah Brown and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) | Forever for this digital advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

I loved this book way more than I imagined I would!  The background setting, the men, and surprising depth of the book was breath taking. I love how things were slowly revealed as the book went on.  Second chance romance, fake dating - delicious tropes.  While romance is definitely a focus, I love Sybil's self discovery arc. I do wish there was more dynamic between her and her friends, but I will check out the previous/following books for that!

This book was dark, sad and gory.  

At one point, I had to put it down for a couple hours and read something with some fluff - it was that good and gross. 

No one is safe. Don't open weird boxes from estate sales is the lessen I learned. This book starts quick and doesn't slow down at any point. I loved the multi POVs and the story being retold from different perspectives. I thought that was so clever, well done and heartbreaking. This is one of the best demonic possession stories I have ever read.

Thank you to the author for an ARC - this is left voluntarily and honestly. 

This book perfectly sets the premise for the rest of the series. The children are getting sick. A dead body shows up. People are missing. What else can go wrong in this town?

There are retro vibes. There is the backdrop of Halloween and all the magic being a kid around that time has. This is book one of the series and, while there is an ending/cliffhanger, it did end a bit abruptly. I am glad I have more of the series to binge immediately following this. I love the creation of the creature (s?) and the characters and can't wait to find out what happens next!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

 Walter is a great main character to follow! He is funny, clever and the perfect blend of OP and weak. This book set up the story wonderfully with wrapping up some story arcs but still leading for more to come.

The side characters are funny and unique, I do wish (and we will probably get in upcoming books!) more backstory. I am excited and ready for book 2 to be here!

I received a free copy of this book via Podium Team and am voluntarily leaving a review. 

This is a rom-com, yes, but it's also a beautiful story of a woman discovering what she wants in life.  When Sadie burns out in NY and moves in with her best friend in Texas, she's expecting to lay low, relax and take a rest before the next job back in NY. Her best friend convinces her to join his dungeons and dragons group.  

Told in between what is really happening and the D&D campaign, this story contains forming new friendships, discovering passions and learning to let go.  Very minimal spice, but full of quick banter and a love for D&D.

Thank you to Netgalley, Random House/Dell and the author for the opportunity to read this ARC.  This review was left voluntarily. 

This was a very cozy, low stakes read!

The positive:  The world was fun and filled with a diverse cast of wonderful characters.  I love that Doli had a tea based magic system.  I loved the intro of Evvy and all the hijinks that followed. Doli is a very sunshine-y character, and it was good to see her realizing she can't please everyone. This is my first cozy fantasy read, and I love it!  I didn't feel lost with not reading the first book.

The cons: The love did feel a little instant love-y, but that's not worst thing in my book!  I also wish the ending was a bit more fleshed out - a lot happened in the final chapter or two that I wish was explored more. 

Overall, I greatly enjoyed this book and would love to revisit this world again someday!

Thank you the J. Penner, Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press/Sourcebooks for an opportunity to read this ARC. This review is left voluntarily.  

Wow. This novella broke my heart. Self described as The Last of Us x Interstellar, if you're in the mood for a sci-fi horror, this is a great book for you. 

Told in two alternating POVs, you follow along with Keller, who is stuck on Earth post apocalypse, and Lena, who is stuck in space. This story is beautifully woven and full of heart clenching moments. 

I would revisit this world over and over again. 

Thank you, @authordlhoupt, for the ARC!